U.S. patent application number 11/750359 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-27 for device for dispensing a material from a container.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M ESPE AG. Invention is credited to Arno Hohmann, Kai Huble, Michael Knee, Marc Peuker, Rudolf Pitsch, Dieter Poschmann.
Application Number | 20070221683 11/750359 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33483924 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070221683 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hohmann; Arno ; et
al. |
September 27, 2007 |
DEVICE FOR DISPENSING A MATERIAL FROM A CONTAINER
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device for batch-dispensing a
material from a container, such as pulverulent or granular
material, for example dental powder such as glass ionomer, the
device comprising at least one displaceable member being
displaceable between a first position and a second position, and
having at least one cavity being alternately emptied and filled
from the container upon displacement of the displaceable
member.
Inventors: |
Hohmann; Arno; (Muenchen,
DE) ; Peuker; Marc; (Schondorf, DE) ; Knee;
Michael; (Peissenberg, DE) ; Poschmann; Dieter;
(Starnberg, DE) ; Pitsch; Rudolf; (Herrsching,
DE) ; Huble; Kai; (Starnberg, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M ESPE AG
|
Family ID: |
33483924 |
Appl. No.: |
11/750359 |
Filed: |
May 18, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10894162 |
Jul 19, 2004 |
|
|
|
11750359 |
May 18, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/361 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01F 11/24 20130101;
G01F 11/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/207 |
International
Class: |
B65D 37/00 20060101
B65D037/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 23, 2003 |
EP |
03016542.7 |
Claims
1. A device for dispensing a material from a container, comprising
a displaceable member movably accommodated in a body member of the
device and displaceable between a first position and a second
position, the displaceable member having at least one cavity being
alternately filled in the first position and emptied in the second
position, the body member having only one opening to the exterior
of the device, the device having an airtight circumferential seal
associated with the displaceable member that is loaded and unloaded
in the direction of movement of the displaceable member.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the body member is connectable to
the container.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the body member comprises a
longitudinal axis, the displaceable member being moveable along an
axis being inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the
body.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the body member comprises a
longitudinal axis, the displaceable member being moveable in a
direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body
member.
5. The device of claim 2, the displaceable member having an axis of
movement, the at least one cavity being inclined with respect to
the axis of movement of the displaceable member.
6. The device of claim 2, the displaceable member having an axis of
movement, and the at least one cavity being arranged transverse to
the axis of movement of the displaceable member.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the seal seals the displaceable
member against the body member once the displaceable member is
fully accommodated in the body member.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein the seal comprises a
circumferential flange engaging a corresponding circumferential
groove provided at the body member.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the circumferential flange is
substantially L-shaped, and extends from the first end of the
displaceable member along the displaceable member's axis of
movement.
10. The device of claim 2, further comprising an activating element
for moving the displaceable member.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the activating element is
substantially U-shaped with the legs of the U being connected to
the displaceable member.
12. The device of claim 11, the displaceable member further
comprising at a first end thereof a web element arranged transverse
to the axis of movement of the displaceable member.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the web element has two ends
that extend beyond the circumference of the displaceable member,
the activating element being connected to the ends of the web
element.
14. The device of claim 13, further comprising a retaining element
for urging the displaceable member back to its accommodated
position inside the body member.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein the retaining element is an
O-ring or elastic band.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein the retaining element is
connected to the displaceable member in the area of its first end,
and surrounding the body member.
17. The device of claim 2, further comprising a locking element for
releasable locking the displaceable member and for generating an
additional sealing pressure to the displaceable member in its
accommodated position inside the body member.
18. The device of claim 17, further comprising a retaining element
for urging the displaceable member back to its non-dispensing
position.
19. The device of claim 1, in combination with the container.
20. The device of claim 19, further comprising pulverulent or
granular material contained within the container.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein the material to be dispensed
has a grain size in the range of d50 equal to 20 to 130 .mu.m.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/894,162, filed Jul. 19, 2004, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This application claims priority from European Patent
Application No. 03016542.7, filed Jul. 23, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a device for
batch-dispensing a material from a container, such as pulverulent
or granular material, for example dental powder such as glass
ionomer, said device comprising at least one displaceable member
being displaceable between a first position and a second position,
and having at least one cavity being alternately emptied and filled
from said container upon displacement of said displaceable
member.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Many dispensing devices using a displaceable member are
known in the art. For example, WO 02/064006 discloses a dispensing
device for batch-dispensing a granular product. The principle of
one example of such a dispensing device disclosed by WO 02/064006.
Such a known dispensing device comprises a slideably arranged body
that has two passages that are emptied and filled when the
slideably arranged body is moved from a first position to a second
position.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,805 discloses a volumetric dispensing
apparatus which is operated by rotating a portion of a cap about
the axis of a container through about 90.degree. back and forth,
one path in each direction.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,092 discloses variable quantity
dispensing device for granular material.
[0007] DE-A-100 23 971 discloses a screw-cap device for dispensing
portions of coffee or tea etc. This screw-cap device includes a
slide closure being spring-loaded in the closed position and having
a dosing chamber open on both sides. The spring actions result from
spring leaves formed from the same material as the slide closure.
The free ends of the spring leaves are supported slidingly on slide
faces which run onto each other on the push-in direction.
[0008] However, prior art dispensing devices as exemplified by
these prior art documents are disadvantageous if they are used with
certain materials, for example powders such as dental powders
because such materials usually have to be stored encapsulated from
environmental conditions, especially from moisture, which prior art
dosing devices cannot ensure. Furthermore such special materials
result in an immediate blocking of moveable parts of the dosing
mechanism.
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an improved dispensing device. This object is solved with
the features of the claims.
[0010] In its broad aspect, the present invention provides a device
for dispensing a material from a container, comprising at least one
displaceable member being displaceable between a first position and
a second position and having at least cavity being alternately
emptied and filled from said container upon displacement of said
displaceable member. According to the present invention, the
displaceable member is tightly sealed against the container.
[0011] Thus, the present invention provides a tight seal and/or a
tight fitting between the moveable parts. This results in various
advantages of the present dispensing device over the prior art.
Firstly, the dispensing device according to the present invention
is substantially moisture-proof. Secondly, the dispensing device of
the present invention can be used to dispense very fine intractable
materials, such as glass powder, i.e. an exact dosage of such
material is possible with the dispensing device according to the
present invention because a blocking of the moveable parts is
prevented.
[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the
displaceable member is a moveable member.
[0013] Preferably, a displaceable member according to the first
aspect of the present invention is moveably accommodated in a body
member of the dispensing device, said body member being connectable
to said container. The body member comprises a longitudinal axis,
and the displaceable member is moveable along an axis being
inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis of said body. In a
preferred embodiment, the displaceable member is moveable in a
direction transverse to said longitudinal axis of said body member.
The displaceable member has an axis of movement, and said at least
one cavity is inclined with respect to said axis of movement of
said displaceable member. Preferably, the at least one cavity is
arranged transverse to said axis of movement of said displaceable
member.
[0014] The displaceable member of this embodiment extends along its
axis of movement, and comprises at a first end thereof a
circumferential sealing member for sealing said displaceable member
against said body member once the displaceable member is fully
accommodated in said body member. Preferably, the sealing member
comprises a circumferential flange engaging a corresponding
circumferential groove provided at said body member. More
preferably, the circumferential flange is substantially L-shaped,
and extends from that first end of the displaceable member along
said axis of movement.
[0015] The dispensing device of this embodiment further comprises
an activating element for moving said displaceable member.
Preferably, the activating element is substantially U-shaped with
the legs of the U being connected to said displaceable member. More
preferably, the activating element is connected to said
displaceable member such that said displaceable member is located
between the two legs of the U-shaped activating element.
[0016] It is further preferred in this embodiment that the
activating element and the displaceable member are integrally
formed.
[0017] The displaceable member of this embodiment further comprises
at a first end thereof a web element being arranged transverse to
said axis of movement of said displaceable member. Preferably, the
two ends of said web element extend beyond the circumference of the
displaceable member, and the activating element is connected to
said extending end portions of said web element. More preferably,
the activating element is connected to said web element by means of
a hinge.
[0018] The dispensing device of this embodiment further comprises a
retaining element for urging said displaceable member back to its
fully accommodated position. Preferably, the retaining element is a
substantially U-shaped retaining or part-circular-shaped spring
element. Alternatively, the retaining element is an O-ring or
elastic band. Preferably, the retaining element is connected to
said displaceable member in the area of its first end, and
surrounds said body member.
[0019] The dispensing device further preferably comprises a locking
element for releasable locking the displaceable member to said body
and for generating a contact force between the sealing member and
said body in its accommodated position in order to achieve a tight
sealing during storage of the container.
[0020] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the
displaceable member is a rotatable member. The dispensing device of
the second aspect of the present invention comprises a body member,
and a fixing member, said displaceable member being a rotor, said
fixing member being provided for fixing said rotor to said body
member such that said rotor is freely rotatable. Preferably, the
body member comprises an upper end and a bottom end connected by a
circumferential wall, said bottom end being adapted to be mounted
on said container, said upper end comprising a radially extending
ring shaped portion and an axially extending center post, said ring
shaped portion and said center post being connected by a ring
shaped recess forming a ring shaped chamber around said center
post. The bottom of said ring shaped recess comprises an opening
for forming a passage to the interior of said container.
Preferably, the rotor comprises a disk-shaped plate portion
comprising a center hole for alignment with said center post of
said body member, and an axially extending circumferential wall.
The plate portion of said rotor comprises a plurality of cavities,
preferably three, being at one end thereof alignable with said
opening in said ring shaped recess of said body member.
[0021] The fixing member of the present dispensing device comprises
a central fixing element for twist locked fixing said fixing member
to said body member through said center hole of said rotor.
Preferably, the fixing element provides for a snap connection to
the center rod and generates a contact pressure upon the rotor,
thus causing a tight seal between the movable and non-movable parts
of the device.
[0022] Preferably, the fixing member comprises at least one
eccentric aperture. The fixing element is arranged such that a
cavity of said rotor being aligned with said opening in said body
member is at that time covered by said fixing member. The aperture
allows a cavity not being aligned with said opening in said body
member to be exposed to the exterior of said device. Preferably,
the fixing member comprises two apertures spaced from each other at
a angle of 120.degree..
[0023] With the dispensing device of the second aspect of the
present invention, the cavities are filled and emptied sequentially
while said rotor is turned.
[0024] The body member further preferably comprises at least one
positioning detent for defining a dosing position of said
rotor.
[0025] Preferably, the body member is glue molded to said
container.
[0026] An alternative dispensing device according to the second
aspect of the present invention comprises a body member, said
displaceable member being a rotor, said rotor being centrically or
eccentrically accommodated in said body member. In this alternative
embodiment, the body member comprises a bottom portion and an upper
portion being spaced from each other by a side wall portion for
forming a space for accommodating said rotor between said bottom
portion and said upper portion. The bottom portion comprises an
opening for forming a passage from the interior of said container
to said accommodating space. Preferably, the rotor comprises two
cavities being alternately alignable with said opening, said
cavities extending through said rotor. In this alternative
dispensing device, the upper portion of said body member covers
said rotor such that the cavity being aligned at one end thereof
with said opening in said body portion is at its open end closed by
said upper portion.
[0027] Preferably, the rotor is moveable in said body member in
clockwise or anticlockwise direction.
[0028] Preferably, the rotor is press-fit into said body member in
such a way that a contact pressure between the moveable and
non-movable parts is generated in order to achieve a tight sealing
of the container but at the same the movable parts are still
displaceable by manual operation.
[0029] A further alternative design of a dispensing device
according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises a
displaceable member being essentially circular shaped and
comprising a plurality of segments, each defining a cavity. The
circular displaceable member is arranged such that, at one time,
one cavity is aligned with the interior of said container and
another cavity is exposed to the exterior of the dispensing device.
Preferably, the circular displaceable member is arranged such that
said cavities defined in the plurality of segments are filled from
said container essentially in radial direction, and said cavities
defined in said plurality of segments are emptied to the exterior
of said device substantially in radial direction.
[0030] Preferably, the dispensing device of this alternative
further comprises an activator for stepwise rotational movement for
said displaceable member.
[0031] According to a further alternative design, the second aspect
of the present invention comprises a displaceable member being a
bevel wheel, comprising at its conical surface at least one cavity.
The at least one cavity is arranged such that at one position of
said bevel wheel the cavity is exposed to the interior of said
container, and at a second position that cavity is exposed to the
exterior of said device.
[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the
dispensing device comprises a first moveable member comprising a
first cavity and a second moveable member comprising a second
cavity, and a connecting element connecting said first and second
moveable members, such that movement of said first moveable member
is transferred to said second moveable member. Preferably, said
connecting member is a baffle. With the present dispensing device,
in a first position of said device, said first cavity of said first
moveable member is aligned with a first through-hole to the
interior of the container, and said second cavity of said second
moveable is exposed to the exterior of said device, and wherein, in
a second position of said device, said first cavity of said first
moveable member is exposed to the exterior of said device, and said
second cavity of said second moveable member is aligned with a
second through-hole to the interior of said container. Preferably,
a press-fit is provided between said moveable members and the
housing of said device.
[0033] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the
displaceable member is pivotable. Preferably, the displaceable
member is disk-shaped, comprising a first surface and an opposing
second surface, and comprising at least one cavity provided at the
lateral side of said displaceable member. The displaceable member
is alternately pivotable between two end positions, wherein in one
end position said at least one cavity is exposed to the interior of
said container, and in the other end position, the at least one
cavity is exposed to the exterior of the device. Preferably, the
displaceable member further comprises a second cavity being
provided laterally opposite to said first cavity, wherein in each
end position of the pivotable displaceable member, one cavity is
exposed to the interior of said container, and the other cavity is
exposed to the exterior of the device.
[0034] The dispensing device further comprises a body member
accommodating said displaceable member, said displaceable member
being press-fit to said body member.
[0035] The dispensing device according to the present invention is
particularly usable with pulverulent or granular materials, like
glass ionomers (e.g., glass ionomer cements), resin modified glass
ionomers, composite materials, epoxide materials, chelate cements,
carboxylate cements, alginate materials, biochemical granules, or
granules used in biochemical products. Typical grain sizes in the
present invention are in the range of d50=20-130 .mu.m. d50 means
that 50% of the particles have a grain size smaller or equal said
value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent from a detailed consideration
of the invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings in
which:
[0037] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention
having a moveable displaceable member;
[0038] FIGS. 2a, b show a second embodiment of the invention having
a rotatable displaceable member;
[0039] FIGS. 3a-c show a third embodiment of the present invention
having a pivotable displaceable member;
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention
having a bevel-like rotatable displaceable member;
[0041] FIGS. 5a-d show a fifth embodiment of the present invention
having a rotatable displaceable member being rotatable clockwise or
anticlockwise;
[0042] FIGS. 6a, b show a sixth embodiment of the present invention
wherein the displaceable member comprises a body member, a
rotatable rotor and a fixing member;
[0043] FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention
wherein the displaceable member consists of two baffle-type
slides;
[0044] FIG. 8 shows the body member and the displaceable member of
an eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 9 shows the dispensing device of the eighth embodiment
in assembled condition;
[0046] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the
eighth embodiment of the present invention according to FIG. 9;
[0047] FIG. 11 shows a further cross-sectional perspective view of
the eighth embodiment according to FIG. 9 with the displaceable
member being in its second position;
[0048] FIG. 12 shows a preferred use of a dispensing device
according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 13 shows an alternative of the eighth embodiment of the
present invention with a displaceable member being inclined with
regard to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing device;
[0050] FIG. 14 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the
alternative dispensing device according to FIG. 13 with the
dispensing device in a first position;
[0051] FIG. 15 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the
alternative dispensing device of FIG. 13 with the dispensing device
in a second position;
[0052] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a ninth
embodiment of the present invention similar to the eighth
embodiment with a further displaceable member in assembled
condition and a cap;
[0053] FIG. 17 a perspective view onto the ninth embodiment
according to FIG. 16;
[0054] FIG. 18 a tenth embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 19 a first alternative of the tenth embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0056] FIG. 20 a second alternative of the tenth embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0057] FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a dispensing
device of the present invention. The dispensing device 10 shown in
FIG. 1 comprises a displaceable member 16, that is accommodated in
a body member having an upper portion 11 and a lower portion 12 (it
is to be noted that the terms "upper portion" and "lower portion"
are only used in the present specification to facilitate the
explanation of the embodiment shown, for example, in FIG. 1 and it
is to be noted that these terms are not intended to be in any way
limiting with respect to the orientation of the dispensing device).
The displaceable member 16 of the dispensing device shown in FIG. 1
comprises two cavities 17 and 18 that extend across the
longitudinal direction of the displaceable member. Furthermore, the
upper portion 11 of the body member comprises a first aperture 13,
and the lower portion 12 of the body member comprises a second
aperture 14 and third aperture 15. The three apertures 13, 14, 15
of the body member and the two cavities 17, 18 of the displaceable
member 16 are spaced from each other such that in a first position
of the displaceable member (as shown in the left-hand drawing of
FIG. 1), the first cavity 17 is aligned with the third aperture 15
in order to dispense the material contained in the first cavity 17,
and the second cavity 18 is aligned with the first aperture 13 so
that the second cavity 18 is filled from the container (not shown).
The right-hand drawing of FIG. 1 shows the displaceable member 16
in its second position. In this second position of the displaceable
member 16, the second cavity 18 filled through first aperture 13
from the container in the first position of the displaceable member
is now emptied, and the material contained in the second cavity 18
is dispensed to the exterior of the dispensing device. At the same
time, the first cavity 17 is re-filled from the container through
aperture 13.
[0058] The displaceable member 16 is accommodated in the body
member of the dispensing device 10 by means of a press-fit. In
other words, a tight seal and/or a tight fitting is provided
between the displaceable member and the container. The effect of
such a tight seal/tight fitting is that, on the one hand, the
material contained in the container can only enter the cavities of
the displaceable member but cannot enter a potential space between
the displaceable member and the surrounding body member, so that a
blocking of the movement of the displaceable member is prevented.
On the other hand, the container is closed in an air-tight manner
so that no moisture can enter the container through the dispensing
device. However, the press-fit still allows movement of the
displaceable member.
[0059] FIGS. 2a and 2b show a second preferred embodiment of a
dispensing device of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
displaceable member 22 of the dispensing device 20 is provided in
the form of a circular element comprising a plurality of segments,
each defining a cavity 23.sub.1, 23.sub.2 . . . 23.sub.n-1,
23.sub.n. The circular displaceable member is held in a body member
21 of the dispensing device 20 such that the circular displaceable
member is rotatable about its center axis. Preferably, the circular
displaceable member 22 is rotatable in a stepwise manner.
Furthermore, the circular rotatable displaceable member 22 is
arranged in the dispensing device such that material to be
dispensed enters the displaceable member 22 through a passage 24
from a container substantially in radial direction. If the
displaceable member is rotated in clockwise or anticlockwise
direction, each cavity 23.sub.i filled through passage 24 rotates
to a position where the cavity is exposed to the exterior of the
dispensing device 20, and the cavity is emptied again. The emptying
of the cavities also takes place in a substantially radial manner.
This radial filling and radial emptying has the advantage that the
dispensing device of the second preferred embodiment can be made
very compact, and the displaceable member 22 can be tightly sealed
against the container or tightly fitted into the body member of the
displaceable member, respectively. Apart from the two cavities
being filled and emptied at one time, all cavities, in particular
all filled cavities, are tightly sealed against the body member of
the displaceable member, and also the empty cavities are tightly
sealed against the body member 21 so that no material entering the
dispensing device from the container through passage 24 can reach a
location where it would block movement of the displaceable members.
Any material is only allowed to enter the cavity being in alignment
with passage 24.
[0060] Preferably, the dispensing device 20 of this preferred
embodiment is provided with an actuator, for example a lever that
activates the displaceable member, for example by means of a
ratchet mechanism, and thus provides a stepwise rotation of the
displaceable member in one direction only. It is preferred in this
embodiment that the stepwise rotation is possible in one direction
only (i.e., either clockwise or anticlockwise) because this further
enhances the tight seal.
[0061] FIGS. 3a through 3c show a third preferred embodiment of the
dispensing device of the present invention. This preferred
embodiment comprises a pivotable displaceable member 31. FIG. 3a
shows the container 38 with dispensing device 30 with a
displaceable member 31 in a first position. FIG. 3b shows the same
arrangement of container 38 and dispensing device 30 with the
displaceable member 31 in a second position. This pivotable
movement of the displaceable member is shown in more detail in FIG.
3c. The displaceable member 31 of this preferred embodiment is
essentially disk-shaped and comprises a first surface 34 and
opposite second surface 35. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3c, the
displaceable member 31 comprises two cavities 32 and 33 provided at
the circumference of the displaceable member at opposite positions.
Although this embodiment shows two cavities, it is to be noted that
even a single cavity would result in a functional dispensing
device.
[0062] The body member 39 of the dispensing device 30 of this
embodiment comprises a wall portion 36 and a holding portion 37.
The holding portion 37 holds the displaceable member 31 in its
position. Again, like in the other embodiments of the present
invention, the displaceable member is tightly held by the holding
member 37, and is thus tightly sealed against the interior of the
container. Nevertheless, the tight seal allows the pivotional
movement of the displaceable member. The holding member 37 is
designed such that in a first end position of the alternately
pivotable displaceable member as shown in FIG. 3c, one cavity 33 is
exposed to the interior of the body member and container in order
to be filled with the material to be dispensed. At the same time,
material contained in the other cavity 32 can be dispensed from the
dispensing device. A pivotional movement of the displaceable member
31 would expose cavity 32 to the interior of the container, and
would allow that material contained in the other cavity 33 is
dispensed.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a dispensing device of
the present invention. In particular, FIG. 4 shows the displaceable
member 44 only. In this embodiment, the displaceable member 44 is
in the form of a bevel wheel, comprising a first end portion 41
having a first diameter, and a second end portion 42 comprising a
second diameter, said second diameter being larger that said first
diameter so that a conical surface is formed. The bevel wheel of
this embodiment comprises at least one cavity 431, 432, 433 and 434
at the conical surface thereof. The bevel wheel is held in the
dispensing device such that material to be dispensed enters a
cavity at a first position of the bevel wheel (as shown by the
vertical arrow in FIG. 4). Upon rotational movement of the bevel
wheel, the filled cavity is rotated to a second position (as
indicated by the second arrow). At that second position, the
material contained in the cavity is dispensed. The bevel wheel is
also tightly sealed against the interior of the container. This is
facilitated by the smooth conical surface.
[0064] A fifth preferred embodiment of a dispensing device 50 of
the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5a through 5d. FIG. 5a
shows a rotor 52, and FIG. 5b shows a body member 15 of the
dispensing device 50. The body member 51 comprises a bottom portion
53 and an upper portion 56. The bottom portion 53 and the upper
portion 56 are spaced from each other by a side wall portion 57. In
the bottom portion, and opening 54 is provided for forming a
passage from the interior of the container to the space between the
bottom portion 53 and the upper portion 56.
[0065] The rotor 52 is sized and shaped to fit into the space
formed by the body member. Furthermore, the rotor 52 comprises two
cavities 55.sub.1 and 55.sub.2 that have a cross-section that is
substantially identical to the cross-section of opening 54 provided
in the body member 51. Furthermore, the rotor 52 comprises two
activating portions 59.sub.1 and 59.sub.2 which can be pushed by
the user to provide a rotational movement of the rotor in clockwise
or anticlockwise direction.
[0066] FIGS. 5c and 5d show the entire assembly of the body member
and rotor. The rotor is press-fit to the body member in order to
provide a tight seal so that material to be dispensed can be
dispensed only through the opening 54 and the cavities 55.sub.1 and
55.sub.2 of the rotor. Due to the tight seal, no material can enter
any space between the body member and the rotor, for example at the
side wall portion 57 of the body member. This prevents a blocking
of the movement of the rotor and also prevents that moisture enters
the container through the dispensing device.
[0067] In the first position of the rotor 52 shown in FIG. 5c, the
second cavity 55.sub.2 is aligned with the opening 54 (not shown in
FIG. 5c). Furthermore, the first cavity 55.sub.1 is exposed to the
exterior of the dispensing device so that material contained in
said cavity can be dispensed. If the rotor is now rotated by
applying a force on first activating portion 59.sub.1, the rotor is
rotated in clockwise direction to a second position (see FIG. 5d).
In the second position, the material contained in second cavity
55.sub.2 can now be dispensed. At the same time, first cavity
55.sub.1 is in alignment with opening 54 (not shown in FIG. 5d) in
order to refill the first cavity 55.sub.1. This process can be
repeated until the container is empty and all material is
dispensed.
[0068] The rotor can either be accommodated in the body member in
an eccentric or centric manner.
[0069] FIGS. 6a and 6b show another preferred embodiment of a
dispensing device 60 of the present invention. FIG. 6a shows an
exploded view of the elements of the dispensing device 60, i.e.
body member 61, rotor 62 and fixing member 63. FIG. 6b shows the
assembled dispensing device connected to the container 64.
[0070] The body member 61 comprises a central rod 68. Furthermore,
the rotor 62 comprises a central hole 67. Finally, the fixing
member 63 comprises a fixing element (provided at the underside of
the fixing member and thus not shown in FIG. 6a). The fixing
element of the fixing member 63 is connected to the central rod 68
of the body member so that the rotatable rotor is axially fixed but
still rotatable. As shown in FIG. 6a, the rotor 62 comprises three
cavities 65.sub.1, 65.sub.2 and 65.sub.3, preferably spaced from
each other at an angle of 120.degree.. These cavities are filled
and emptied sequentially while the rotor is turned. The cavities
can be filled through an opening (not shown) provided in the recess
between the central post 68 and the surrounding ring-shaped portion
of the body member 61. The fixing member, in addition to fixing the
elements together, covers the cavities. However, the fixing member
63 comprises an eccentric aperture 66 that allows that material to
be dispensed contained in one cavity can be dispensed. The other
cavities are covered. During movement of the rotor, the cavities
are sequentially aligned with aperture 66 so that the cavities can
sequentially be emptied through aperture 66.
[0071] Preferably, the fixing member 63 comprises two apertures
that are spaced from each other at an angle of 120.degree.. This
allows the rotor to be rotated clockwise or anticlockwise without
having idle positions within the movement of the rotor.
[0072] Preferably, the fixing member is snapped into the central
rod 68 of body member 61.
[0073] The rotor is axially held on the body member by the fixing
member in order to provide a tight seal between movable and
non-movable parts.
[0074] Preferably, body member 61 comprises a positioning detent 69
that defines a dosing position of the rotor. Preferably, three
detents are provided and spaced from each other at an angle of
120.degree. (if three cavities are present). Due to these sprag
clutches, the rotor snaps in at each of the (preferably) three
dosing positions. As an advantageous side effect, due to the
vibration of the snap mechanism, the material to be dispensed
easily flows into the cavity at the filling position of the
rotor.
[0075] It is preferred that the positioning detents do not prevent
rotation in the opposite direction. Rotation of the rotor in two
directions is particularly advantageous if the fixing member
comprises two apertures. In this case, material can be dispensed by
rotating the rotor back and forth from a first to a second
position.
[0076] It is preferred that the body member is connected to the
container 64 by means of a glue molding process. This is
advantageous because this eliminates the necessity of a threaded
mold core which would increase the cycle time of the molding
process.
[0077] FIG. 7 shows the seventh preferred embodiment of dispensing
device 70 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the
dispensing device comprises a first moveable member 71 and a second
moveable member 71. Each moveable member comprises a cavity, i.e.
cavities 73 and 74. The two moveable members are connected by means
of a baffle 72. In particular, the two moveable members are
connected so that a movement of one moveable member is transferred
to the other moveable member by baffle 72. This is shown in FIG. 7
by means of the two arrows. Once the left-hand moveable member is
moved into the dispensing device, this movement is transferred to
the right-hand moveable member, and this moveable member is moved
outwards. Reference numeral 75 denotes an opening that forms a
passage to the container. Thus, in the position shown in FIG. 7,
the opening 75 is covered by moveable member 71. At the same time,
cavity 73 is in alignment with another opening (not shown because
it is covered by cavity 73) to the container in order to be filled
with the material to be dispensed.
[0078] There is a press-fit between the two moveable members and
the housing of the dispensing device 70 accommodating the two
moveable members 71 so that a tight seal or tight fitting is
provided in order to avoid that moisture enters the container or
that material blocks movement of the moveable members.
[0079] The baffle 72 is preferably provided in the form of a
plastic stripe that is guided along a cylindrical wall 76 in order
to transfer the force applied on one moveable member to the other
moveable member.
[0080] The advantage of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is an
optimized operation if compared to a linear slide principle having
just one moveable member.
[0081] FIG. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention,
i.e. dispensing device 80. In particular, dispensing device 80 is
shown in an exploded view. Dispensing device 80 comprises body
member 81 and displaceable member 83. Body member 81 comprises an
opening or bore 95 for accommodating displaceable member 83. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 8, displaceable member is in the form of a
tubular element. A cavity 84 is provided in the displaceable member
83 transverse to the longitudinal axis of the displaceable member,
i.e. transverse to the axis of movement of the displaceable member.
Displaceable member 83 is moveable in a direction transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the body member 81 of the dispensing device 80
so that in a first position (shown in FIG. 10), the cavity 84 can
be filled from the container, and in a second position (FIG. 11)
the material can be dispensed.
[0082] The dispensing device 80 of this embodiment further
comprises an activating element 82, for example a pusher, for
moving the displaceable member between its two end positions. As
shown in FIG. 8, the pusher is preferably provided in form of an
"U" and is connected to a first end 85 of the displaceable member
83 by means of a web element 86. The web element 86 extends
transverse to the longitudinal direction of the displaceable member
83, and preferably extends beyond the circumference of the
displaceable member, as shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the U-shaped pusher
can be connected to the web element 86 so that the displaceable
member 83 is located within the two legs of the U-shaped pusher.
The pusher can be used to move the displaceable member 83 out of
the bore 95 of the body member 81, and back to its initial
position. Furthermore, a retaining element 89 is provided. The
retaining element is substantially U-shaped or part-circular
shaped. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the retaining element is
in the form of a retaining spring that is connected at its two ends
to the pusher. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the retaining spring
surrounds the body member. If the displaceable member 83 is moved
to its dispending position (as shown in FIG. 11), the retain spring
urges the displaceable member 83 back to its filling position (see
FIG. 10).
[0083] In this embodiment of the present invention, the
displaceable member is loosely accommodated in the bore 95 of body
element 81. A tight seal against the interior of the container is
in this embodiment provided by a sealing member 91. The sealing
member 91 is provided at the first end 85 of the displaceable
member 83, and is circumferentially provided. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 10, the sealing member is in the form of a L-shaped
flange that extends along the longitudinal axis of the displaceable
member 83. The free end of the flange is engaged in a
circumferential groove 94 provided at the body portion around bore
opening 95. Furthermore, the inner rim of groove 94 is engaged in
the groove 92 formed by the L-shaped flange. Thus, if the
displaceable member 83 is in its filling position (see FIG. 10),
and the cavity 84 is aligned with passage 93, the displaceable
member is tightly sealed against the interior of the container.
This ensures a tight seal during storage of the container with the
dispensing device. Such a circumferential seal insures that powder
does not get in contact with the seal or inside the groove 94
during dosing, thus keeping the seal clean and tight.
[0084] Preferably, in order to provide an inexpensive solution for
injecting molding, the retain spring 89 is made as in integral part
of the pusher 82. And an advantage of such a retain spring is that
the "compression" characteristic is constant over the travel of the
displaceable member instead of being progressive (common springs
have progressive characteristics). The separate locking member 90
is provided to ensure that the displaceable member 83 is held in
the closed position during storage of the container. The spring
member 89 is arranged so that it is only in operation when the
displaceable member is close to its final filling position.
[0085] In order to avoid relaxation of the springs during storage,
and in order to enable an assembly of the dispensing device of this
embodiment, the pusher 82 is connected to the web element 86 by
means of hinges 87 which makes it possible to disengage the
displaceable member from the body member.
[0086] The seal as used in this embodiment is further advantageous
since the seal is loaded and unloaded in direction of movement of
the displaceable member. In case the seal would act in radial
direction between the displaceable member and the body member,
multiple use and displacement of the displaceable member would
result in a wear of the seal.
[0087] As shown in FIG. 12, the dispensing device is preferably
provided with a cap 96 which has an open end opposite to container
97 so that during dosing of the material to be dispensed, the cap
can be directly paced onto a pad 98.
[0088] FIGS. 13 to 15 show an alternative design of the eighth
embodiment of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 13 to 15
show dispensing device 80'. In this alternative design, the
displaceable member 83' is not moveable transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the body member; rather, the direction of
movement is inclined to the longitudinal axis of the body member.
The displaceable member 83' comprises a cavity 84' that is inclined
to the axis of movement of the displaceable member 83', and also
with respect to the longitudinal axis of the entire dispensing
device 80'. The displaceable member 83' comprises a pusher 82' that
is integrally formed with the displaceable member 83'. In use, the
displaceable member 83' is basically pushed by the pusher 82'
parallel to the axis of movement of the displaceable member so that
the displaceable member is moved from its filling position (shown
in FIG. 15) to its dispensing position (shown in FIG. 14). In order
to allow an easy movement back to the filling position, a retaining
member in the form of an O-ring or elastic band 89' is provided
(see FIG. 13). The O-ring is connected to the displaceable member
83' and surrounds the body member. The tight seal between the
displaceable member 83' and the interior of the dispensing device
80' and the container is provided by sealing element 91'. In the
filling position of the displaceable member 83', the O-ring
(elastic band) biases the seal 91' against the body member of the
dispensing device. Thus, a tight seal is provided.
[0089] The inclined arrangement of the displaceable member 83' is
advantageous in that it facilitates the transport of the material
during the dosing operation and also provides a more ergonomic
operation of the dispensing device.
[0090] The embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 15 are advantageous since the
displaceable member 83, 83' of these embodiments comprises the
minimum number of openings, namely two openings, i.e., the passage
to the container and the dispensing opening. Thus, merely one
opening needs to be sealed, i.e., the opening 95 which is the only
way moisture can enter into the container.
[0091] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a ninth embodiment of a container
according to the present invention which in its working principle
is similar to the eighth embodiment, previously described,
particularly in view of FIG. 10. In more detail, FIGS. 16 and 17
show a dispensing device 80'' with a body member 81'' and
displaceable member 83''. Displaceable member 83'' is received in
opening 95'' of the body member 81''. The cavity 84'' is provided
in the displaceable member 83'' and is transverse to the
longitudinal axis of movement of the displaceable member 83''.
Hence, it is preferred that the displaceable 83'' is moveable in a
direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body member
81'' of the dispensing device 80'' so that in a first position
(shown in FIG. 16), the cavity 84'' can be filled from the
container, and in a second position (not shown) the material can be
dispensed. The dispensing device 80'' of this embodiment further
comprises an activating element 82'', for example a pusher, for
moving the displaceable member between its two end positions. The
displaceable member is preferably biased by means of a spring
element 86'' into the closed position or the position in which the
cavity can be filled from the container. FIG. 17 shows that the
spring element 86'' is covered by the elements of the dispensing
device 80'' and is preferably tightly sealed thereof by a sliding
arrangement. When the pusher 82'' is activated, i.e. shifted to its
end position, passage 100'' is aligned with cavity 84''. In the
non-activated position, cavity 84'' is brought out of alignment
with passage 100'' which provides a tight seal during storage of
the container with the dispensing device.
[0092] Opening 95'' is sealed against the displaceable member 83''
for example by means of a tight fit. Alternatively, in its closed
position, displaceable member 83'' is jammed like a stopper into
opening 95''. Further alternatively, displaceable member 83''
comprises a sealing flange like sealing member 91 shown in FIG. 10,
cooperating with a corresponding groove provided in the body member
81''. The latter two alternatives are advantageous since in
comparison to a tight fit less force is required to move the
displaceable member.
[0093] A cap 99'' is preferably provided which can particularly
cover the dispensing device 80'' in order to avoid any
contamination of the material to be dispensed by the environment
when the device is not used. In FIGS. 16 and 17 a screw thread is
shown between the cap 99'' and the dispensing device 80'' which is
preferred. However, a locking engagement can also be provided
between the cap 99'' and any other appropriate element of the
device, also by other means, like a bayonet closure or closure
provided by sliding movement and a slight elastic deformation
between the two elements to be connected.
[0094] The embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is advantageous
because the displaceable member 83'' does not comprise any members
that extend radially beyond the container, at least in one position
of the displaceable member 83'' (unlike pusher 82' in FIG. 13) so
that a cap can be placed onto the displaceable member. A further
difference to the embodiment of, e.g., FIG. 11 is that the
displaceable member 83'' is pushed for dispensing a material, and
not pulled.
[0095] FIG. 18 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention.
The dispensing device 110 comprises body member 111 and
displaceable member 113 being movable through opening 115.
Displaceable member 113 comprises a bore hole 114 that dispenses
the material radially with respect to the (vertical) axis of
movement of the displaceable member 113. The bore hole is
preferably tapered towards its opening like a cone in order to
facilitate dispensing of the material.
[0096] In the alternative design shown in FIG. 19, displaceable
member 113' comprises annular groove 114' that is filled with
material in the closed position of displaceable member 113' (see
left-hand drawing of FIG. 19). Displaceable member 113' is movable
through opening 115' along the axis of the container in order to
dispense material (right-hand drawing in FIG. 19).
[0097] In the alternative shown in FIG. 20, a cavity 114''
(alternatively an annular groove) is provided in the body member
112'' and not in the displaceable member 113'' In this alternative,
the displaceable member is tightly sealed against opening 115'' at
first portion 1131''. Displaceable member 113'' further comprises
second portion 1132'' having a reduced diameter compared to first
portion 1131'' so that in the closed position of displaceable
member 113'' (see right-hand drawing of FIG. 20), material
contained in cavity 114'' can be dispensed. In the other position
of displaceable member 113'' (see left-hand drawing of FIG. 20),
cavity 114'' can be filled from the container.
* * * * *