U.S. patent application number 10/587127 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-12 for dispensing apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to Stewart Robertson.
Application Number | 20070157991 10/587127 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31971258 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070157991 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robertson; Stewart |
July 12, 2007 |
Dispensing apparatus and method
Abstract
Dispensing apparatus for dispensing flowable materials onto an
object. A sub-assembly of the dispensing apparatus is releasably
receivable within a casing and comprises: (i) a resiliently
deformable collar portion for receiving an opening of a container;
(ii) a one-way input valve (see FIG. 1); a one-way output valve;
and a conduit separating the valves. A cradle member having cam
surfaces is pivotably connected to the casing and is provided with
supporting surfaces adapted to receive the object. A manual force
applied by a user in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal
axis of the object causes projections on the output valve to move
up the cam surfaces. In this way, the volume between the inlet and
outlet valves is reduced and flowable material is directed onto the
object.
Inventors: |
Robertson; Stewart;
(Kilmacolm, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Gregory J Lavorgna;Drinker Biddle & Reath
One Logan Square
18th and Cherry Streets
Philadelphia
PA
19103
US
|
Family ID: |
31971258 |
Appl. No.: |
10/587127 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
January 21, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB05/00229 |
371 Date: |
July 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/360 ;
222/207; 222/214 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 5/1208 20130101;
A47K 5/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/360 ;
222/214; 222/207 |
International
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 22, 2004 |
GB |
0401361.1 |
Claims
1. Dispensing apparatus comprising an inlet port for coupling to an
opening of a container containing flowable material and an outlet
port through which the material is dispensed; the inlet and outlet
ports being separated by a conduit; a first one-way valve
positioned at the inlet port to permit passage of the flowable
material from the container into the conduit, and a second one-way
valve positioned at the outlet port to permit passage of the
flowable material from the conduit; and means for selectively
varying the volume of the conduit between the inlet and outlet
ports to pump the flowable material.
2. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conduit
is resiliently deformable.
3. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
respective inlet and outlet ends of the conduit are displaceable
relative to each other to selectively vary the volume of the
conduit between the inlet and outlet ports.
4. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlet
port is adapted to form a hermetically sealed connection with the
opening of the container.
5. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a collar for
receiving the opening of the container and forming a hermetic seal
is mounted on, and surrounds, the inlet port.
6. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the collar is
resiliently deformable.
7. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the collar is
annular in shape and has a substantially planar upper end surface,
a substantially planar lower end surface and substantially
cylindrical internal and external surfaces.
8. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least part
of the internal surface of the resilient collar tapers inwardly
from the upper end surface around its entire circumference to form
a frusto-conical profile.
9. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one
upstanding annular sealing ring extends from the upper end
surface.
10. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the or each
upstanding annular sealing ring is formed integrally with the
resilient collar.
11. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the
resilient collar is made from a silicone material.
12. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a
substantially rigid housing surrounds the collar and the inlet
port.
13. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a radial
flange portion projects inwardly from the lower peripheral edge of
the housing.
14. Dispensing apparatus according claim 13, wherein the inlet end
of the conduit proximate the inlet port is supported on the radial
flange.
15. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the inlet
port is interposed between the conduit and the collar.
16. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein projections
are provided on the exterior of the housing, said projections being
releasably connectable to a wall-mountable casing such that the
dispensing apparatus and the container are locatable within said
casing.
17. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a cradle
member is pivotably and releasably mounted on the casing.
18. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein cam
surfaces are provided on the cradle member.
19. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein cam surface
engaging portions are provided on the outlet port.
20. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the cam
surface engaging portions are diametrically opposed projecting
pins.
21. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the cradle
member has two sidewalls and a supporting surface adapted to
receive a toothbrush head.
22. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the
supporting surface is provided with a push surface for selective
engagement with the distal end of the toothbrush head.
23. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flowable
material is semi-solid.
24. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the
flowable semi-solid material is dentifrice material.
25. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conduit
is a bellows pump.
26. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inlet
port is perforated.
27. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first
one-way valve is an umbrella valve.
28. Dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second
one-way valve is a duckbill valve.
29. A method of dispensing flowable material from a container using
the dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the steps
of: (i) coupling the opening of a container with an inlet port of
the dispensing apparatus; (ii) priming the dispensing apparatus to
remove any air within the apparatus or the container by
sequentially reducing and increasing the volume between the inlet
port and an outlet port in a pumping action; and (iii) reducing the
volume between the inlet and outlet ports to pump the flowable
material from the container and through a first one-way valve, a
conduit and a second one-way valve respectively.
30. A method of dispensing flowable material from a container
according to claim 29, wherein the step of reducing the volume
between the inlet and outlet ports is achieved by applying a force
to compress the conduit longitudinally.
31. A method of dispensing flowable material from a container
according to claim 30, wherein the step of applying a longitudinal
force is achieved by pivoting a cradle member having cam surfaces
about a pivot axis, said cam surfaces moving cam surface engaging
portions provided on the outlet port, thus moving the outlet port
towards the inlet port.
32. A method of dispensing dentifrice material from a container
according to claim 31, wherein the step of pivoting the cradle
member is achieved by positioning a toothbrush head on the cradle
member and applying a force in a direction corresponding to the
longitudinal axis of the toothbrush.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a dispensing apparatus and method,
and particularly, but not exclusively, to a dispensing apparatus
and method for dispensing flowable dentifrice materials onto a
toothbrush head.
[0002] Conventionally, the task of cleaning teeth with a flowable
dentifrice material such as a paste or gel involves the manual
squeezing of a deformable tube to deposit the material onto a
toothbrush. Alternatively, rigid tubes having a manually operated
pump mechanism for dispensing the dentifrice material are also
widely available.
[0003] Other known dispensers employ lever and ratchet mechanisms,
cantilever arm devices or operate utilising the force of gravity
and a winder key dispensing device.
[0004] Whilst such devices have provided an improved dispensing
means for dentifrice material for the majority of people, others
may find such devices cumbersome or awkward to use. For example,
young children may have a tendency to over-squeeze a toothpaste
tube and have difficulty in accurately directing the discharged
dentifrice material onto the toothbrush. The elderly, the infirm
and people suffering from arthritic or related inflammatory
complaints may also find the task of manually dispensing a
dentifrice material onto a toothbrush rather onerous and/or
painful.
[0005] A further disadvantage of known dispensers, for dentifrice
and other flowable materials, is that it is often difficult to
empty their contents completely. Consequently, a significant amount
of wastage is typical. Moreover, known dispensers do not expel
dentifrice material in a clean fashion as it tends to accumulate
around their openings.
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a dispensing apparatus comprising an inlet port for
coupling to an opening of a container containing flowable material
and an outlet port through which the material is dispensed; the
inlet and outlet ports being separated by a conduit; a first
one-way valve positioned at the inlet port to permit passage of the
flowable material from the container into the conduit, and a second
one-way valve positioned at the outlet port to permit passage of
the flowable material from the conduit; and means for selectively
varying the volume of the conduit between the inlet and outlet
ports to pump the flowable material.
[0007] Preferably, the conduit is resiliently deformable.
[0008] Preferably, the respective inlet and outlet ends of the
conduit are displaceable relative to each other to selectively vary
the volume of the conduit between the inlet and outlet ports.
[0009] Preferably, the inlet port is adapted to form a hermetically
sealed connection with the opening of the container.
[0010] Preferably, a collar for receiving the opening of the
container and forming a hermetic seal is mounted on, and surrounds,
the inlet port.
[0011] Preferably, the collar is resiliently deformable.
[0012] Preferably, the collar is annular in shape and has a
substantially planar upper end surface, a substantially planar
lower end surface and substantially cylindrical internal and
external surfaces.
[0013] Preferably, at least part of the internal surface of the
resilient collar tapers inwardly from the upper end surface around
its entire circumference to form a frusto-conical profile.
[0014] Optionally, at least one upstanding annular sealing ring
extends from the upper end surface.
[0015] Preferably, the or each upstanding annular sealing ring is
formed integrally with the resilient collar.
[0016] Preferably, the resilient collar is made from a silicone
material.
[0017] Preferably, a substantially rigid housing surrounds the
collar and the inlet port.
[0018] Preferably, a radial flange portion projects inwardly from
the lower peripheral edge of the housing.
[0019] Preferably, the inlet end of the conduit proximate the inlet
port is supported on the radial flange.
[0020] Preferably, the inlet port is interposed between the conduit
and the collar.
[0021] Preferably, projections are provided on the exterior of the
housing, said projections being releasably connectable to a
wall-mountable casing such that the dispensing apparatus and the
container are locatable within said casing.
[0022] Preferably, a cradle member is pivotably and releasably
mounted on the casing.
[0023] Preferably, cam surfaces are provided on the cradle
member.
[0024] Preferably, cam surface engaging portions are provided on
the outlet port.
[0025] Preferably, the cam surface engaging portions are
diametrically opposed projecting pins.
[0026] Preferably, the cradle member has two sidewalls and a
supporting surface adapted to receive a toothbrush head.
[0027] Preferably, the supporting surface is provided with a push
surface for selective engagement with the distal end of the
toothbrush head.
[0028] Preferably, the flowable material is semi-solid.
[0029] Preferably, the flowable semi-solid material is dentifrice
material.
[0030] Optionally, the conduit is a bellows pump.
[0031] Preferably, the inlet port is perforated.
[0032] Preferably, the first one-way valve is an umbrella
valve.
[0033] Preferably, the second one-way valve is a duckbill
valve.
[0034] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method of dispensing flowable material from a
container using the dispensing apparatus of the first aspect
comprising the steps of: [0035] (i) coupling the opening of a
container with an inlet port of the dispensing apparatus; [0036]
(ii) priming the dispensing apparatus to remove any air within the
apparatus or the container by sequentially reducing and increasing
the volume between the inlet port and an outlet port in a pumping
action; and [0037] (iii) reducing the volume between the inlet and
outlet ports to pump the dentifrice material from the container and
through a first one-way valve, a conduit and a second one-way valve
respectively.
[0038] Preferably, the step of reducing the volume between the
inlet and outlet ports is achieved by applying a force to compress
the conduit longitudinally.
[0039] Preferably, the step of applying a longitudinal force is
achieved by pivoting a cradle member having cam surfaces about a
pivot axis, said cam surfaces moving cam surface engaging portions
provided on the outlet port, thus moving the outlet port towards
the inlet port.
[0040] Preferably, the step of pivoting the cradle member is
achieved by placing a toothbrush head on the cradle member and
applying a force in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal
axis of the toothbrush.
[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the collar
and conduit portions of the dispensing apparatus;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the dispensing apparatus of
FIG. 1 and a cradle member, each located within a wall mountable
casing;
[0044] FIG. 3 shows both a cross-sectional and plan view of an
alternative collar;
[0045] FIGS. 4a and 4b are side and cross-sectional side views
respectively of dispensing apparatus including the collar of FIG. 1
and show valves and an alternative conduit;
[0046] FIGS. 5a-c are cross-sectional schematic views showing the
conduit and valves of the dispensing apparatus at various stages
during its operation; and
[0047] FIGS. 6a-c are a cross-sectional side view, a front view and
a perspective view respectively of the complete dispensing
apparatus within its wall mountable casing.
[0048] FIG. 1 shows a dispensing apparatus sub-assembly comprising
an inlet port 10 and an outlet port 12 separated by a resiliently
deformable conduit in the form of a bellows pump 14. An upstanding
resiliently deformable collar 16 made from elastic silicone
material is mounted on and surrounds the inlet port 10.
[0049] The collar 16 is annular in shape and has substantially
planar upper and lower end surfaces 16a and 16b, and substantially
cylindrical internal 16c and external surfaces respectively. The
transition surface 16d between the first end surface 16a and the
internal surface 16c tapers inwardly around the circumference of
the collar 16 to form a frusto-conical profile.
[0050] A substantially rigid housing 18 surrounds the resilient
collar 16 and is provided with an inwardly projecting annular
flange 20 around the periphery of its lower edge. The end of the
bellows pump 14 proximate the inlet port 10 is supported on the
flange 20 within the housing 18 and the inlet port 10 is held
interposed between the end of the bellows pump 14 and the lower end
surface 16b of the resilient collar 16. The resilient collar 16,
the inlet port 10 and the end of the bellows pump 14 are fixed
firmly at their respective joins by any suitable means for
producing a hermetic seal, for example, by gluing or hot melt
sealing.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows a modified collar 16 having a pair of
upstanding annular sealing rings extending from its upper end
surface 16a. The sealing rings are formed integrally with the
collar 16 and extend concentrically around the full circumference
of its upper end surface 16a. The height of the inner sealing ring
is less than the height of the outer sealing ring.
[0052] In addition, the modified collar 16 of FIG. 3 is provided
with a stepped internal surface with three different internal
diameters. The diameter of the cylindrical internal surface
proximate the upper end surface 16a is reduced as compared to that
of the central recessed portion of the collar 16. Finally, the
diameter of the cylindrical internal surface proximate the lower
end surface 16b is yet greater again.
[0053] As will become apparent, the presence of: (i) the pair of
upstanding annular sealing rings; and (ii) the reduced diameter
portion of the internal surface proximate the upper end surface
16a, each act to minimise the possibility of air being sucked into
the dispensing apparatus between the collar 16 and a container
received therein.
[0054] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a further alternative embodiment of the
dispensing apparatus sub-assembly wherein the conduit 14 has
generally cylindrical sidewalls as opposed to concertina shaped
walls. The lower portion (proximate the outlet valve 24) of the
walls of the conduit 14 shown in FIG. 4b are thicker than those of
the upper portion of the conduit 14. The thicker walls of the lower
portion cause the internal diameter of the conduit 14 to be reduced
proximate the outlet valve 24.
[0055] Perforations 21 are provided in the inlet port 10 and an
umbrella valve 22 selectively opens and closes to allow material to
pass through the perforations 21 into the bellows pump 14. The
umbrella valve 22 fits within a recessed portion 17 formed at the
lower edge of the internal surface 16c of the collar 16. A duckbill
valve 24 positioned within the outlet port 12 selectively opens and
closes to allow flowable material to pass through and exit the
bellows pump 14.
[0056] The selection of appropriate one-way valves at the inlet and
outlet ports 10, 12 is important for effective operation of the
dispensing apparatus. For example, the configuration of the
umbrella valve 22 is such that it is appropriate for the suction of
material into the conduit 14 whilst its profile is such that the
valve itself does not substantially extend vertically into the
conduit 14 (for example, see FIG. 5c). The duckbill valve 24 is
particularly suitable for use at the outlet port 12 because it
provides a directed and even flow of material with a clean cut-off
thus eliminating or reducing any messy accumulation of dentifrice
material thereon.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the sub-assembly of FIG. 1 is located
within a wall mountable casing 26, which is fixable onto, say, a
bathroom wall 28. Projections 30 are provided on the exterior
surface of the housing 18 and releasably receivable within
corresponding grooves 32 on sidewalls of the casing 26. It will be
appreciated that this arrangement facilitates removal of the
sub-assembly from the casing for cleaning or replacement of
parts.
[0058] A cradle member 34 is releasably and pivotably mounted on
the casing 26 by means of protrusions 36 formed on its sidewalls
38, which locate in corresponding apertures in the casing 26. The
cradle member 34 has cam surfaces 40 formed on the periphery of
each sidewall 38, which engage with diametrically opposed outwardly
projecting pins 42 on the outlet port 12. The cradle member 34 is
provided with a substantially horizontal supporting surface 46,
which joins the lower edges of the sidewalls 38 of the cradle
member 34. The supporting surface 46 is provided with a push
surface 48 for cooperation with the distal end of a toothbrush head
44, as described below.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 6a-c, for aesthetic purposes, the
sub-assembly, cradle member 34 and casing 26 described above are
covered by a cover member 50. The cover member 50 is substantially
tubular in shape and may be formed from any suitable material, for
example, plastics, ceramics, coated metals etc. The bottom end of
the cover member 50 is open-ended to enable the cover member 50 to
slide over the assembled apparatus described above. The top end of
the cover member is closed. A slit (not shown) may be provided in
the cover member 50 to enable it to slide over wall-fixings 52
connecting the casing 26 to a wall. An opening 54 is provided at
the lower end of the casing and is positioned to correspond with
the supporting surface 46 of the cradle member 34.
[0060] In use, the opening of a container is located within the
resilient collar 16 and the elastic nature of the silicone material
forms a hermetic seal. The frusto-conical portion 16d of the collar
16 facilitates coupling of the opening of the container with the
inlet port 10. Optionally, the modified collar of FIG. 3 may be
employed to assist in providing the hermetic seal.
[0061] The following description uses the example of dispensing
dentifrice material (i.e. a semi-solid flowable material) from a
deformable toothpaste tube. It should be appreciated however that
the invention may be used to dispense any other flowable material,
nor is its operation limited for use with only deformable
containers.
[0062] In order to dispense dentifrice material from the dispensing
apparatus, the dispensing apparatus must first be primed to remove
any air from within the conduit 14 and the toothpaste container.
This is achieved by positioning the toothbrush head 44 on the
supporting surface 46 of the cradle member 34 and applying a force
in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the
toothbrush. Such a force causes the toothbrush head 44 to push
against the push surface 48 and pivot the cradle member 34 relative
to the casing 26 about its protrusions 36.
[0063] The pivoting action of the cradle member 34 causes the
projecting pins 42 on the outlet port 12 to slide up the cam
surfaces 40 on the cradle member 34. The pivoting of the cradle
member 34 therefore causes the outlet port 12 to be forced upwardly
towards the inlet port 10. During this upward motion, the bellows
pump 14 is compressed longitudinally and progressively collapses to
thereby reduce the volume between the inlet and outlet ports 10, 12
and expel air from the bellows pump 14 and the toothpaste container
via the duckbill valve 24.
[0064] Upon withdrawal of the toothbrush head 44 from the push
surface 48, the cradle member 34 returns to its initial position by
virtue of the resilient nature of the bellows pump 14. It may be
necessary to repeat this sequence several times to ensure that
substantially all air is expelled from the bellows pump 14 and the
toothpaste container.
[0065] Once fully primed, any air in the bellows pump 14 will be
replaced with dentifrice material as indicated in FIG. 5a and the
dispensing apparatus is ready for use. Further pivotal movement of
the cradle member 34 as described above will cause dentifrice
material to be forced from the bellows pump 14 onto the underlying
toothbrush head 44 as indicated in FIG. 5b. The pivot point 36 of
the cradle member 34 is positioned forward of the duckbill valve 24
and consequently the toothbrush travels upwards during the pivoting
motion. Such a motion causes the toothbrush head to `follow` the
duckbill valve upwards and aids accurate placement of the
dentifrice material onto the toothbrush head 44.
[0066] It will be appreciated that the alternative conduit shown in
FIGS. 4a and 4b will operate in a similar fashion to the bellows
pump described above. As shown in FIG. 4b, the region where the
wall of increased thickness meets the wall of lesser thickness will
deform as the upward force is applied. It will also be appreciated
that the narrowing of the internal diameter proximate the outlet
valve 24 in FIG. 4b, and hence the reduced volume of the conduit at
this region, will cause a higher pressure to be imparted to the
dentifrice material as it is expelled from the valve 24.
[0067] Upon removal of the toothbrush head 44 from the cradle
member 34, the resilient nature of the bellows pump 14 returns the
apparatus to its original position. As illustrated in FIG. 5c,
during the return motion, further dentifrice material is drawn into
the bellows pump 14 through the open umbrella valve 22 due to the
pressure differential between the inside of the toothpaste
container and the inside of the bellows pump.
[0068] The push stop 48 on the cradle member 34 is also positioned
forward of the duckbill valve 24 such that the dentifrice material
is deposited along the length of the toothbrush head 44 from its
distal end to its handle end. The maximum distance through which
the toothbrush head 44 can pivot therefore corresponds to the
length of a standard toothbrush head. Accordingly, the amount of
dentifrice material dispensed from the duckbill valve 24 onto the
toothbrush head 44 may be dictated by the degree to which the
cradle member 34 is pivoted and/or the incline of the contours of
the cam surfaces 40.
[0069] It will be appreciated that the dispensing apparatus of the
present invention can be easily disassembled for cleaning purposes
or for replacement of parts. For example, the cradle member 34 may
be disconnected from the casing 26 by manually pinching the
sidewalls 38 toward each other thereby moving the protrusions 36
out of engagement from their corresponding apertures. Similarly,
the rigid housing 18 can be removed from the casing 26 by sliding
its projections 30 out of engagement with the corresponding grooves
32 formed in the sidewall of the casing 26.
[0070] It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
the apparatus of the present invention can be operated by only one
hand and therefore provides a simple, effective and convenient
means of dispensing dentifrice material onto a toothbrush. The
features of the invention are particularly advantageous for
children, the disabled or the elderly who may find conventional
means of dispensing dentifrice material onto a toothbrush difficult
to operate.
[0071] Modifications and improvements may be made to the above
without departing from the scope of the present invention. For
example, the dispenser need not be used exclusively for dentifrice
material and could equally be adapted to dispense a variety of
different semi-solids or fluids, for example, creams, hand-wash,
mousse, shaving gel, hair gel, washing up liquid and the like.
[0072] The conduit need not be in the form of a bellows pump and
the volume varying means may act in a transverse rather than a
longitudinal direction. The cradle member may be adapted to
correspond with the material being dispensed. For example, if
material were intended to be dispensed onto a hand (i.e. soap or
shaving foam) then an appropriately shaped cradle member would be
employed.
[0073] Alternative one-way valves could be used at either end of
the conduit and the collar could include a threaded aperture to
receive a correspondingly threaded neck of a container.
[0074] The upstanding annular rings described above with reference
to FIG. 3 could equally be incorporated into the other embodiments
described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4b.
[0075] Whilst the dispensing apparatus of the present invention has
been described as being fixed on a wall in a vertical orientation,
it could equally be adapted to operate in other orientations.
* * * * *