U.S. patent application number 11/953282 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-26 for dispensing stand-up pouch.
This patent application is currently assigned to POLY-D, LLC. Invention is credited to Richard B. Fox, Roger J. LaFlamme, Robert J. Mileti, Daniel M. Wyner.
Application Number | 20080149666 11/953282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39512426 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080149666 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LaFlamme; Roger J. ; et
al. |
June 26, 2008 |
DISPENSING STAND-UP POUCH
Abstract
The stand-up fluid dispensing device (10, 100) includes a
container (42) with an outer surface, opening, interior fluid
storage region (44) therein and an exterior outer region. A support
structure (60) is affixed to the container (42) to maintain the
container (42) in an upright condition at all times. Throughout the
life of the product and regardless of amount of media (12) in the
device (10, 100), it will remain standing upright to better display
the package at all times. The support structure (60) is preferably
a jacket filled with a gas, such as air. The jacket (60) can
include a plurality of pockets (62), such as tubes filled with air.
The stand-up fluid dispensing device (10, 100) may also include a
metering pump (64) that can include a leakage control mechanism to
control the dispensing of media (12) from the device (10, 100).
Inventors: |
LaFlamme; Roger J.;
(Enfield, CT) ; Wyner; Daniel M.; (North Scituate,
RI) ; Fox; Richard B.; (Smithfield, RI) ;
Mileti; Robert J.; (Torrington, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARLOW, JOSEPHS & HOLMES, LTD.
101 DYER STREET, 5TH FLOOR
PROVIDENCE
RI
02903
US
|
Assignee: |
POLY-D, LLC
Torrington
CT
|
Family ID: |
39512426 |
Appl. No.: |
11/953282 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60869420 |
Dec 11, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/105 ;
222/183 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2056 20130101;
B05B 11/3032 20130101; B65D 35/40 20130101; B05B 11/3069 20130101;
B65D 77/04 20130101; B65D 75/5872 20130101; B65D 75/525 20130101;
B65D 75/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/105 ;
222/183 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/56 20060101
B65D035/56 |
Claims
1. A stand-up fluid dispensing device, comprising: a container
having an outer surface and an opening; the container defining an
interior fluid storage region therein, and an exterior outer
region; and a support structure affixed to the container to
maintain the container in an upright condition.
2. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the
support structure is affixed to the outer surface of the
container.
3. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the
support structure is a jacket filled with a gas.
4. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the gas
is air.
5. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the
jacket includes a plurality of pockets filled with a gas.
5. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 3, wherein the
jacket includes a plurality of tubular members filled with a
gas.
6. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 1, further
comprising: a flexible metering housing, having a metering chamber
therein with a predetermined volume, disposed in fluid
communication with the fluid storage region via the first opening;
a first valve disposed between the container and the flexible
metering housing and permitting unidirectional fluid flow from the
interior fluid storage region of the container into the metering
chamber thereby filling the predetermined volume of the metering
chamber; the flexible metering housing further including an
metering housing output port; a second valve, having a second valve
output port, in fluid communication with the metering housing
output port and permitting unidirectional fluid flow from the
metering chamber to the exterior outer region of the container of a
volume of fluid substantially equal to the predetermined volume of
the flexible metering housing.
7. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 6, further
comprising: a fluid conduit connected at one end to the second
valve output port and at the other end to a exit port defined by
the container.
8. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 6, further
comprising: a fluid conduit disposed between the metering housing
output port and the second valve.
9. The fluid dispensing device of claim 6, wherein the first valve
and the second valve are one-way check valves.
10. The fluid dispensing device of claim 6, further comprising:
standoff means connected to the metering housing and proximal to
the first valve to prevent the first valve from being blocked.
11. The fluid dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the standoff
means is at least one leg.
12. The fluid dispensing device of claim 10, wherein the standoff
means is a spring.
13. The fluid dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the container
is a gusseted stand-up pouch.
14. A stand-up fluid dispensing device, comprising: a stand-up
container having an outer surface and an opening; the container
defining an interior fluid storage region therein, and an exterior
outer region; a flexible metering housing, having a metering
chamber therein with a predetermined volume, disposed in fluid
communication with the fluid storage region via the first opening;
a first valve disposed between the container and the flexible
metering housing and permitting unidirectional fluid flow from the
interior fluid storage region of the container into the metering
chamber thereby filling the predetermined volume of the metering
chamber; the flexible metering housing further including an
metering housing output port; a second valve, having a second valve
output port, in fluid communication with the metering housing
output port and permitting unidirectional fluid flow from the
metering chamber to the exterior outer region of the container of a
volume of fluid substantially equal to the predetermined volume of
the flexible metering housing.
15. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 14, further
comprising: a fluid conduit connected at one end to the second
valve output port and at the other end to a exit port defined by
the container.
16. The stand-up fluid dispensing device of claim 14, further
comprising: a fluid conduit disposed between the metering housing
output port and the second valve.
17. The fluid dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the first
valve and the second valve are one-way check valves.
18. The fluid dispensing device of claim 14, further comprising:
standoff means connected to the metering housing and proximal to
the first valve to prevent the first valve from being blocked.
19. The fluid dispensing device of claim 18, wherein the standoff
means is at least one leg.
20. The fluid dispensing device of claim 18, wherein the standoff
means is a spring.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from prior U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/869,420 filed on Dec. 11, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to dispensing devices and
packages for various types of materials. More specifically, the
present invention relates to devices that can dispense media, such
as fluids and gels and other materials, from a source of such
media.
[0003] Various types of fluid material and media are employed for
different purposes through commerce and industry. For example,
there are various products in the personal care, home care, air
care, transportation care, and food industries that require some
type of dispensing of media, such as a fluid material, from a
source of such media. When this material is sold in commerce, it
must be contained and stored in some type of container. When that
product is used, it must be dispensed from its storage container to
a location for use.
[0004] In the prior art, there are many different types of
dispensers for delivering fluid material. For example, a flexible
container body with a nozzle tip is commonly provided for such a
purpose. An application of such use is for the dispensing of
ketchup where the container body is squeezed by the user to urge
the fluid material out from the nozzle tip and accurately to a
desired location. The amount of fluid delivered is determined by
the how much the user squeezed the container body. However, this
yields erratic results where more or less fluid material is
delivered on each successive squeeze of the container body. Also,
the container must be held upright to avoid leakage because no
valves are employed.
[0005] In another example of a prior art dispensing device, a
flexible container holds a volume of fluid material to be
delivered. A single one-way check valve is provided as an exit port
from the flexible container. When the flexible body is squeezed,
the material is urged out under pressure through the valve.
[0006] There is also a need in the prior art to provide a dispenser
of media that is easy to manufacture yet is able to stand upright
or in a desired orientation at the point of sale and during all
stages of use of the dispenser until all of the media has been
dispensed.
[0007] To address this problem, gusseted packages have become very
popular for many different types of dispensers, such as those for
beverages. They are typically inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
Essentially, a gusseted body formed from sheets of container
material is provided where a base is constructed so that the
package can stand upright on its own. There are literally hundreds
of stand up pouches (SUP) used in the packaging industry. These
pouches may include an exit port or some kind of a removable cap to
allow the user to empty or dispense the liquid. The designs of
these SUPs generally incorporate the use of pleats or gussets to
allow for some expansion and provide a flat or level bottom that
will stand-up on the store shelf.
[0008] The media in SUPs, such as fluid, is contained within the
container body. A nozzle or orifice is provided at one end of the
dispenser which is typically closed off with a cap. When dispensing
is needed, the package is picked up and squeezed to urge media out
through the nozzle. A valve is often used to control flow of media.
While these gusseted packages are common, they can sometimes be
difficult to manufacture and are limited in shape due to the
requirements of the gusseting to ensure that the package can stand
upright when not in use.
[0009] Also, there are problems with known SUP dispensing devices
in that they are very expensive to manufacture. It is difficult to
dispense the media in an accurate and controlled manner. Moreover,
these SUPs construction require a cap to seal the package between
uses. Also, they cannot be sufficiently compressed to assist in
removal of all of the media contained therein.
[0010] When a SUP is full, the material therein tends to push
outward on the container body of the SUP to cause it to maintain
its upright condition. However, as the media is emptied from the
SUP, it typically tends to collapse and/or tip over because the
media therein is no longer present to help maintain the SUP in a
stand-up condition. As a result, it is common for the SUP to be
place on its side to avoid the inconvenience of it tipping over.
When this happens, the SUP no longer positioned upright and the
product's appearance suffers as a result. In that connection, the
logo, branding and other indicia, such as the contents of the
dispenser can no longer be easily seen when the SUP is not standing
upright as when it was when full at the original time of
purchase.
[0011] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a dispenser
that is easy to manufacture that can stand upright or in a given
configuration on its own at all stages of the use of the product
within the dispenser. There is a need for a dispenser that is
aesthetically pleasing to the eye yet can still house and dispense
media in a controlled, accurate and metered manner. There is a need
for a SUP dispenser that obviates the need for use of a cap between
uses and that can provide metered delivery of the media
therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention preserves the advantages of prior art
dispensing devices that are capable of dispensing various types of
media, such as, liquids, gels and solids. The present invention is
capable of dispensing in a metered fashion any type of such media,
including beverages, lotions and powders. The SUP dispenser of the
present invention stays upright regardless of the amount of media
product remaining in the dispenser. In addition, it provides new
advantages not found in currently available devices and overcomes
many disadvantages of such currently available devices.
[0013] The invention is generally directed to a novel and unique
SUP type dispenser for dispensing media. Many types of media may be
dispensed using the present invention and liquids is one example
and will be discussed in detail herein. This invention shall not be
considered to be limited to the dispensing of liquids. It is
understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art can modify the
present invention to accommodate any such media.
[0014] The present invention is a stand-up fluid dispensing device
(SUP) that preferably includes a container having an outer surface
and an opening. The container defines an interior fluid storage
region therein and an exterior outer region. A support structure is
affixed to the container to maintain the container in an upright
condition. Therefore, throughout the life of the product and
regardless of amount of media in the device, it remains standing
upright to better display and store the package at all times. More
specifically, the indicia on the package, such as the
manufacturer's name, branding and description of contents continues
to be clearly displayed during the entire life of the product.
[0015] The support structure can be any type of rigid member or
members but is preferably a jacket filled with a gas, such as air,
positioned about the container of the media. The jacket can include
a plurality of pockets, such as tubes filled with air. The stand-up
fluid dispensing device may also include a metering pump mechanism
to control the dispensing of media from the device. The metering
pump mechanism preferably includes two one-way valves.
[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a SUP dispensing device that can remain standing at all
times regardless of the amount of media present in the
dispenser.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
fluid dispensing device that can deliver a substantially equal
volume of fluid material from each dispensing operation of the
SUP.
[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
fluid dispensing device that is easy and inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0019] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
a fluid dispensing device that includes a support structure to keep
the SUP upright at all times that is easily incorporated into
existing SUP configurations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The novel features which are characteristic of the present
invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the
invention's preferred embodiments, together with further objects
and attendant advantages, will be best understood by reference to
the following detailed description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the dispensing
stand-up pouch of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view of the pouch of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 3A is a top view of the pouch of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the pouch of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the line 4-4 of
FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of the metering
housing with stand-off legs;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of the metering
housing with coil spring;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front view of an embodiment of the stand-up
pouch of the present invention with an air jacket support
structure;
[0029] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the stand-up pouch of the
present invention illustrating the construction thereof; and
[0030] FIG. 9 is a front view of another embodiment of the stand-up
pouch of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a front view of yet another embodiment of the
stand-up pouch of the present invention with an air jacket support
structure;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
metering dispensing system of the present invention that includes
improved valving to prevent the inadvertent or accidental
dispensing of liquid therefrom;
[0033] FIG. 12a is a front exploded perspective view of the
metering dispensing system shown in FIG. 10;
[0034] FIG. 12b is a front exploded perspective view of the
metering pump mechanism formed as a standalone unit;
[0035] FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view, through the
line 12-12 of FIG. 10, of the metering dispensing system of the
present invention illustrating the improved valving;
[0036] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 of
FIG. 10;
[0037] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 of
FIG. 10 illustrating actual dispensing of the fluid; and
[0038] FIG. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view, through the
line 12-12, of the metering dispensing system of the present
invention illustrating the creation of additional backflow through
the exit channel by internal pressure to the one-way outlet
valve.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] The invention is generally directed to a novel and unique
SUP type dispenser 10 for dispensing media 12. Many types of media
12 may be dispensed using the present invention and liquids is one
example and will be discussed in detail herein. This invention
shall not be considered to be limited to the dispensing of liquids.
It is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art can
modify the present invention to accommodate any such media 12.
[0040] The present invention is an improved dispenser 10 over prior
art containers, bottles and gusseted dispensers. First, in general,
the present invention includes a SUP that has a support structure
positioned thereabout to maintain the SUP in an upright condition
at all times and regardless of the amount of media product left
remaining in the dispenser.
[0041] Also, the present invention provides for a SUP with a
metering dosing pump for controlled dispensing and delivery from
the SUP. For example, the metered dosing pump construction set
forth in commonly owned Ser. No. 11/074,817, filed on Mar. 8, 2006
in a gusseted SUP type package, which is incorporated herein by
reference, is optimally used in the present invention.
[0042] Turning first to FIGS. 1-3, the SUP 10 is equipped with a
dosing and metering pump 26 of the type which is shown in detail in
FIG. 4 and discussed in detail below. It is envisioned that a low
cost dispensing and dosing feature is added to SUP dispensing
packages 10 without requiring an outside shell is required. The
dosing and metering pump 26 is incorporated directly into the SUP
10. In FIGS. 1-3, the pump 26 is located proximal to the top of the
SUP 10 where it is envisioned that the SUP 10 can be grasped by the
hand of the user so their thumb depresses the pump while securing
the SUP 10 on the opposing side with their other fingers, such as
their index finger. The pump 26 dispenses liquid through an exit
port 14 for use. It should be understood that the pump 26 and exit
port 14 can be located anywhere on the SUP 10 depending on the
configuration of the SUP 10 and the type and characteristics of the
media 12 to be dispensed. The bottom of the SUP 10 provides a level
or flat surface 16, as in FIG. 2, via edges 18, as seen in FIG. 3B,
to help maintain it upright.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view through the
line 4-4 of FIG. 1 is shown to illustrate the inner construction of
the SUP dispenser 10 of the present invention. A two-valve pump 26
is mounted to, for example, the front face 20 of the SUP 10 with a
hidden exit tube 22 provided. A single pump of the pump mechanism
26 causes a known metered amount of media 12 to exit the exit tube
22 at location A. The size and shape of the dosing can be
customized to the application and media 12 at hand. Similarly, the
exit location A can be anywhere on the package 10 depending on the
application and type of media 12, and the like.
[0044] The use of the two-valve pump 26 in a SUP 10 eliminates the
need for a cap that must be removed and then re-applied between
uses. This is a significant advance in the art. Also, the SUP
construction 10 of the present invention can employ a series of
pleats 24, as seen in FIG. 2, to assist in evacuating all of the
media 12 from the SUP 10. As a result, the SUP 10 can unfold and
fold so the appearance of the SUP 10 is acceptable at all times.
Since the pleats 24 allow for the package 10 to expand, the SUP 10
can even be "wrung out" to permit virtually all of the liquid 12 to
be evacuated. However, these pleats or gussets 24 are optional
components and may be used, if desired.
[0045] Still referring to FIG. 4, a cross-sectional view through
the line 4-4 of FIG. 1 is shown to illustrate the internal
construction of the dispensing device 10 of the stand-up dispenser
of the present invention. A container body 42 is provided which
includes a fluid storage region 12 that contains a volume of fluid
material 12 therein. The container 42 is preferably made of a
flexible material, such as plastic or nylon. Thus, as fluid
material 12 is evacuated from within the container body 42, it will
collapse gradually for a compact structure, if desired. However, as
below, a support structure may be employed to prevent such gradual
collapsing to keep the SUP 10 upright at all times.
[0046] A metering housing 26 is provided at a first opening 28 of
the container body 42. The metering housing 26 includes an intake
one-way valve 30, such as a check valve, to pull fluid 12 from the
fluid storage region 44 of the container body 42 into a metering
chamber 32 of a predetermined size. Any type of valve can be used
to suit the given application. The intake valve 30 is positioned in
a base plate 34 of the metering housing 26. An intake tube (not
shown) can be connected to the base plate 34 to help reach areas in
the inside of the container 42 that included fluid 12 to be
dispensed but that cannot be reached. Fluid 12 can only flow in one
way from the fluid storage region 44 into the metering chamber 32.
The metering chamber 32 is defined by a flexible membrane 36 in the
form of a button or bulb which is accessible and manipulatable by
the user. The button 36 is preferably clear to provide an indicator
to the consumer when the metered dosage of fluid material 12 is
ready for delivery.
[0047] An output valve 40 is provided in fluid communication with
the metering chamber 32 of the metering housing 26. Thus, the fluid
residing in the metering chamber can only exit through the output
valve 40 via exit port 22. The output valve 40 can be in many
different configurations. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the
output valve 40 is a collapsible tube that acts as a valve due to
interior and exterior pressure exerted thereon, as indicated by
arrows B.
[0048] In the preferred embodiment, the metering housing 36 and
exit port 22 are on the same side of the dispenser 10. Certain
applications may require that the exit port 22 be on a side
opposite to the metering housing 36. In that case, a fluid conduit
(now shown) may be provided to direct the exit of fluid 12 at any
location through the container body 42. Therefore, a fluid conduit
can be directed and located to exit at any point through the
container body 42 depending on the application at hand. Also, the
output valve 40 may be located at the exit port 22, as an
alternative depending on the requirements of the application.
[0049] Still referring to FIG. 4, the operation of the dispensing
device 10 is further explained. The button 36 of the metering
housing 26 is depressed to initiate a vacuum operation. More
specifically, when the button 36 is further released, fluid 12 is
pulled from the fluid storage region 44 of the container body 20
into the metering chamber 32 which is configured to be of a certain
known volume. The act of releasing the button 36 fills the metering
chamber 32 to substantial capacity. Thus, a metered amount of fluid
material 12 is contained within the metering chamber 32 in
preparation for delivery. The size of the metering chamber 32 can
be selected according to the type of fluid material 12 to be
dispensed and the application therefor and the desired dosage
volume.
[0050] A further depression of the button 36 urges the measured
volume of fluid 12 within the metering chamber 32 to be exited out
through the output valve 40 of the metering housing 26. This known
amount of fluid material 12 is then delivered through the exit port
22 for use.
[0051] Referring back to FIG. 1, an efficient method of
manufacturing a quality dispensing device 10 is to employ heat
welding to construct the container 42. For example, a two side
panels 42a, 42b as in FIG. 3A, are typically heat welded to each
other and to a bottom panel 42c, as in FIG. 3B, about their
periphery to form a SUP container 42, generally, with an interior
fluid storage region 44 therein.
[0052] Turning now to FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6, further enhancements to
the metering housing 26 construction is shown in detail. As seen in
FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, a number of stand-off legs 50 emanate downwardly
from the base plate 34 of the metering housing 26. These legs 50
prevent the base plate 34 from completely bottoming out and block
flow of fluid material 12 into the intake valve 30. The stand-off
legs 50 are particularly useful when the volume of fluid material
12 left in the container 42 is running low and the container 42 is
becoming relative flat in configuration. In this situation, there
is a possibility that the aforesaid bottoming out may occur.
However, the use of the stand-off legs 50 of FIG. 5 prevent this
from occurring.
[0053] FIG. 6, with reference back to FIGS. 1 and 4, illustrates a
further optional modification of the metering housing 26 to ensure
that maximum suction is achieved and that the entire metering
chamber 32 is filled upon each depression and release of the button
36. A spring-biasing structure 52 resides within the button or bulb
structure 36 of the metering housing 26. Thus, the button 36
recovers quickly while providing a strong suction or vacuum to fill
the interior of the metering chamber 32 with the desired metered
volume of fluid material 24. A coil spring is preferred for the
spring-biasing structure 52 but other spring-biasing structures,
such as leaf springs and foam material may be employed for this
purpose. While it is preferred that spring back of the button 36
occurs without any additional spring-biasing, such as by a spring
in FIG. 6, use of such a spring-biasing structure 52 may be desired
in certain uses of the present invention but is not in any way
required.
[0054] Also, the SUP construction 10 of the present invention can
employ a support structure, generally referred to as 60, to
maintain the SUP package 10 in an upright condition even while
product is being depleted therefrom and when it is even almost
empty. Thus, the support structure can be used to maintain a SUP
upright at all times because even a SUP does not fully stand up
upright, especially when most of the product is removed from the
package. Also, a non-SUP package, such as a flat pouch, can
equipped to enable that non-SUP pouch package to stand upright at
all times, as well.
[0055] As seen FIGS. 7-10, details of the support structure that
may include a frame or skeleton to assist in keeping the pouch 10
in a stand-up condition. The frame 60 can be integrated into the
pouch 10 or connected to the exterior or interior thereof. Such a
frame 60 is optional and can be used if desired. This would be
particularly useful if a pouch 10 does not include gusseted bottom
to form a support for keeping it upright. Many times, even if the
bottom is gusseted, the SUP 10 collapses when product is depleted
therefrom. Also, this support structure 60, which is used to keep
the pouch 10 standing upright, is preferably inflatable to provide
a stable structure to help keep the dispenser 10 of the present
invention standing upright while using the same materials and
manufacturing techniques that are already being used to form the
container of the SUP 10.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 7, a stand-up dispenser, generally
shown as 100, is shown that is equipped with a support structure 60
that is in the configuration of a inflatable jacket that surrounds
the container body 10. In this case, it can be seen that the
inflatable jacket 60 keeps the container body 10 standing upright
even though the container body 10 itself does not include gussets
and is not a stand-up pouch on its own. Of course, the support
structure 60 can also be used with a SUP container 10 to further
enhance and improve the overall stand-up qualities thereof.
[0057] The inflatable jacket 60 is positioned about the container
10 that houses the product media 12 to be dispensed. The inflatable
jacket 60 is preferably a number of tubes 62 filled with air or
some other type of gas or liquid. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the
tubes 62 are arranged so that when they are inflated during the
manufacturing process, the create a structure 60 that stands on its
own. When the container 10 is gradually depleted of product media
12, it will attempt to collapse due to gravity. Since it is
attached to the inflatable support structure jacket 60, which is
rigid in construction, the container 10 will also remain upright at
all times achieving the desired advantages discussed in detail
above.
[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates further details concerning construction
of an embodiment of a container 10 equipped with a support
structure 60 in the form of an inflatable jacket with an optional
metering pump 64 installed thereon. The support jacket 60 includes
one or more tubular or bladder members 62 that is filled with air.
A top film 66 is provided on the outer surface of the bladder 62
while a bottom film 68 is provided on the inner surface of the
bladder 62. Preferably, two bladders 62 or two array of inflatable
members 62 are provided with the aforesaid inner film 68 and outer
film 66. The two members are mated together with the dispensing
pouch 10, as in FIG. 9, sandwiched therebetween. A longitudinal
weld 70 preferably secures the two halves together about the pouch
10 to complete the overall stand-up dispenser 100. FIG. 10
illustrates the finished dispenser 100 with the inflatable jacket
60 installed thereon to maintain the over dispenser 100 in an
upright condition at all times.
[0059] The pump 26 and construction for dispensing the liquid can
be carried out in many different ways. In another embodiment of the
pump and dispensing system, the construction may be configured to
include improved valving over the configuration of FIG. 4 to avoid
leakage to prevent accidental dispensing of liquid. Details of this
configuration is also the subject matter of commonly owned Ser. No.
11/951,351, filed on Dec. 6, 2007. Such a leak resistant
configuration can be easily incorporated into a SUP dispenser of
the present invention and also equipped with a support structure
described herein.
[0060] Turning now to FIGS. 11-16, details are shown of a device
300 that includes the improved valving of the present invention
that prevents inadvertent or accidental dispensing of liquid 302
even when pressure is placed on the dome pump 326 or storage
container 320. FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a metering
dispenser 300 that employs the improved valving in accordance with
the present invention. An outer storage container 320 is provided
that may be formed of two sheets of material 304, 306 secured
together, such as by welding, or a tube of material. A metering
pump, generally referred to as 326, pulls liquid 302 from the
storage container 320, meters it, and then dispenses it via an exit
port 308.
[0061] FIG. 12a shows an exploded view of the top sheet 304 of
material that forms a top portion of the storage container 320 and
the metering pump 326 that are shown in FIG. 11. The metering pump
326 is installed onto a sheet of material 304, which serves as the
top wall of the storage container 320. The sheet of material 304
includes a one way flapper valve 310, preferably of thin film
construction, that may be configured to be normally open. Flapper
valve 310 may also be configured to lay flat when at rest. Similar
to that shown in FIG. 4, a metering housing 312, in the form of a
flexible housing, is positioned above the one-way flapper valve
310. A base plate 314 with a flow aperture 316 therethough is
positioned below the sheet of material 304 and the flapper valve
310. The base plate 314 may be convex to assist in operation of the
pump 326, as will be described below. The flexible housing 312 and
the base plate 314 are welded at their respective peripheries to
the sheet 304 to form the pump construction. An additional length
of material 318 is welded to the sheet of the material 304 at its
longitudinal edges to create an exit pathway 322 for the dispensed
liquid 302. The weld lines 324 are shown on the top sheet of
material 304 to achieve this direction of flow of liquid 302. In
this particular embodiment, the exit pathway 322 is positioned on
the upper surface of the top sheet of material 304 that forms the
storage container 320 for the dispensing device 300. Since the
additional length of material 318 and the top sheet of material 304
lie very closely to one another, this structure also serves as an
exit valve to prevent further unwanted flow of liquid 302 from the
device 300.
[0062] In this embodiment, the one way flapper valve 310 is
integrated into the top sheet of material 304 of the storage
container 320, as seen in FIG. 12a for welding of the flexible
housing 312, base plate 314 and additional sheet of material 318
thereto. This length of material 318 may be attached to the top or
bottom of the skirt 312a of housing 312. Length of material 318 may
be extended (not shown) to include a ring of film material that is
attached to the bottom of the skirt 312. It is also possible that
the pumping mechanism be of a discrete standalone construction 426
that can be incorporated into a storage container body 320. FIG.
12b illustrates such a standalone pump construction 426 that can be
installed under a sheet of a material 402 that forms a wall of the
storage container (not shown). In that connection, the flexible
dome housing 404 is preferably routed through an aperture 406 in
the sheet of the material 402 and welded in place to skirt 404a, as
desired. The exit pathway 406 and valve 408 can be welded to the
sheet of material 402 along their respective longitudinal lengths
at 414 to sheet 418. A base plate 410 with liquid flow through
aperture 412 can also be welded to the bottom surface thereof. Or,
the free end of the exit pathway 406 and valve can be welded on its
opposing sides to the primary weld that seals the storage
container, as seen in FIG. 11 so that the exit pathway
co-terminates with the edge of the storage container 320.
[0063] Turning now to FIGS. 13-15 further details of the operation
of the a standalone pump construction 426 with improved valving of
the present invention is shown. Additional sheet of material is not
shown for ease of illustration and for clarity. FIG. 13 illustrates
a perspective cross-sectional view and FIG. 14 illustrates a
cross-sectional view through the line 12-12 of FIG. 11. It is this
valving that prevents any advertent or accidental dispensing of
liquid 302 from the storage container 320 when pressure is
accidentally or inadvertently applied to the dome pump housing 404.
Stand-off legs 422 are provided on the underside of the top of the
flexible dome pump housing 404 and the base plate 410 is provided
in a convex configuration to ensure that the flow through aperture
412 through the base plate 410 is sealed only when desired.
Stand-off legs 424 are also provided on the bottom of the base
plate 410 to assist in sealing the one-way flapper valve 408 and to
prevent a vacuum suction as described above.
[0064] More specifically, the dispensing operation actually
requires application of force to the flexible dome housing 404 of
the dome pump 426, as well as the stand-off legs 424 on the bottom
of the base plate 410. Since it is unlikely that force would be
inadvertently or accidentally applied to these two areas
simultaneously, the likelihood of accidental or inadvertent
dispensing of liquid is substantially eliminated.
[0065] In the dome pump 426 of the present invention, the base
plate 410, through which the flow through aperture 412 passes, is
preferably slightly convex, although it may be flat, if desired.
Resting above the aperture 412 and within the cavity 405 of the
dome is a flapper valve 408 of preferably thin film construction.
It is possible that this flapper valve 408 be configured of a
normally open condition but also may be configured to lie flat when
at rest. As long as the plate 410 with the aperture remains convex,
the flapper valve 408 does not seal against the aperture 412 such
that any inadvertent contact with the flexible dome pump housing
404 does not result in the dispensing of the product. Instead,
since the flapper valve 408 is open, liquid product residing inside
the cavity 405 of the flexible pump housing 404 will tend to simply
flow back through the inlet aperture 412 to the reservoir within
the storage container itself, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 14,
rather than flow undesirably out through the exit valve to outside
of the dispenser 400. In use, if a person has the dispenser in
their pocket or purse and pressure is accidentally or
unintentionally placed on the flexible housing 404 of the dome pump
426, liquid will not flow outside the dispenser thereby preventing
a mess from being made due to unintentionally dispensed
product.
[0066] FIG. 15 illustrates intentional dispensing of liquid 302.
When it is desired to actually dispense the liquid product 302, the
user's thumb 430 can depress the flexible dome 404 and the user's
index finger 432 can invert the base plate 410 from convex to
concave, by application of force against the stand-off legs 424,
such that flexible dome 404, with the assistance of the stand-off
legs 422 under the flexible dome, securely seals and provides a
positive lock of the flapper valve 408 over and about the aperture
412 thereby closing the liquid flow passage back into the reservoir
434 of the storage container 320. It is also possible that the base
plate 410 is concave and then is inverted to a convex
configuration. Other fingers of the user may be used to carry out
this operation. Thus, the only path for the liquid 302 contained
within the cavity 405 of dome 404 is to exit through the one-way
outlet valve 436 for intended dispensing of the product, as
indicated by the arrows in FIG. 15.
[0067] It should be understood that the stand-off legs 422 on the
bottom of the flexible dome housing 404 and the stand-off legs 424
on the bottom of the base plate 410 can be modified in size, length
and configuration to adjust the amount of squeezing necessary by
the user's fingers 430, 432 to effectuate sealing of the flapper
valve 408. For example, preferably four stand-off legs 422 are
provided on the bottom of the flexible dome housing 404 in a
2.times.2 array and can be 1/32 of an inch in length. It is also
possible that these stand-off legs 422 can be a single downwardly
depending wall, such as in the shape of a circle or square. Such an
array is configured to downwardly press against the one-way flapper
valve 408 outside of the diameter of the aperture 412 through the
base plate 410 to provide a good seal of the flapper valve 408 to
the base plate 410.
[0068] It should be understood that the operation of the 326 pump
configuration of FIG. 12a is similar in operation to the pump 426
shown in FIGS. 12b through 15. The pump 326 of FIG. 12a may be
installed onto a container, similar to pump 426, to controllably
dispense liquid therefrom. More specifically, pump 326 is also
operated in a fashion similar to pump 426 whereby flapper 310 is
secured into a closed condition by the user's fingers as shown in
FIG. 15. While the operation is the same as pump 426, the
construction of pump 326 of FIG. 12a is slightly different, as
described above, to best accommodate a given container
environment.
[0069] Similarly, the amount of convexity of the base plate 410 can
be modified to adjust the amount of squeezing pressure to carry out
the sealing of the one-way flapper valve 408. Still further, it is
possible that the stand-off legs 422 on the inside of the flexible
dome 404 and/or the stand-off legs 424 on the bottom of the base
plate 410 can be omitted depending on the required configuration of
the pump 426 and the type of material to be dispensed.
[0070] Turning now to FIG. 16, the present invention provides
further structure to prevent unwanted dispensing of liquid. In
addition to the improved valving, as above, automatic shut-off of
the exit port passageway 436, when pressure is exerted on the
exterior of the storage container 320, serves to prevent leakage.
In FIG. 16, when pressured is applied to the outside of the storage
container or pouch 320, as indicated by arrows referenced A, the
exit port passageway 436 tends to collapse, flatten and squeeze
closed. As a result, any material residing in the passageway is
urged back into the cavity 405 of the flexible dome housing 404, as
indicated by arrow referenced B. As a result, unwanted leakage is
prevented when accidental or unintentional pressure is placed on
the storage container 320.
[0071] The embodiments of FIGS. 11-16 are well suited for providing
controlled metered delivery of liquid 302 in an type of container
or pouch dispenser configuration, such as stand-up pouches (SUP)
gusseted pouches, printed pouches, reclosable zipper pouches as
well as pouches and other vessels that include some type of tear
away or punch hole exit port. For example, a hand cleaner dispenser
with a tear away exit port would be particularly well-suited for
pump configurations shown in FIGS. 11-16.
[0072] In general, the present invention can include valve geometry
that can easily be modified to handle a large range of viscosities
by, for example: 1) modifying the channel width 406; 2) creating
backflow pressure through weld footprints; 3) modifying the shape
of the channel 406; 4) modifying the size and shape of the flow
aperture 412 through the base plate 410; 5) modifying the size,
length and configuration of the stand-off legs 422 on the dome
housing and the stand-off legs 424 on the bottom of the base plate
410; and 6) modifying the size, shape, flex and configuration of
the one-way flapper valve 408. Also, the valve position can easily
be modified to adjust the automatic shut-off pressure.
[0073] The dispensing device of the present invention has a wide
array of applications of use to take advantage of the unique
metered dosage leak resistant capabilities of the present
invention. Virtually any dispenser with any type of applicator
material or combinations of applicator materials in different
configurations can employ the present invention.
[0074] For example, the cleaning products and personal care
industry has particular application in the controlled and metered
dispensing of bath and shower gels. Also, medicines, cosmetics,
hair care products, such a shampoos, skin care products, such as
lotions, insect repellants and sunscreen products can employ the
present invention. Also, various home products can be delivered in
a device according to the present invention. These include products
for furniture cleaning and polishing, tub and shower cleaning,
floor cleaning and polishing, window cleaning, odor elimination,
oven cleaning, laundry cleaning and apparel treatment. Also, air
treatment devices can employ the present invention. Cleaning
products can be dispensed in a controlled fashion, such as those
for cleaning cars, bikes, planes and trucks. The food industry has
numerous potential applications, particularly for the dispensing of
condiments, sauces and vitamins.
[0075] Further, the location where the fluid material 24 is
delivered to the surface of the device can be easily modified to
suit the given application. For example, the material 24 can be
delivered to the same side of the container 20 as in FIGS. 10 and
11 or to the opposing side, as in FIGS. 1-3. The materials used for
the container 20 and the metering housing 26, while preferably
flexible plastic, can be any suitable material for the application
at hand. Also, the container 20 can be made of a different material
than the metering housing 26.
[0076] The dispensers 10, 100 of the present invention have a wide
array of applications of use to take advantage of the unique
metered dosage capability of the present invention and the
structural support member.
[0077] For example, the personal care industry has particular
application in the controlled and metered dispensing of bath and
shower gels. Also, medicines, cosmetics, hair care products, such a
shampoos, skin care products, such as lotions, insect repellants
and sunscreen products can employ the present invention. It is
particularly useful for these products to remain standing upright
to conserve space in a drawer or cabinet rather than lay flat after
product media has been dispensed therefrom.
[0078] Also, various home products can be delivered in a device 10
according to the present invention. These include products for
furniture cleaning and polishing, tub and shower cleaning, floor
cleaning and polishing, window cleaning, odor elimination, oven
cleaning, laundry cleaning and apparel treatment. Also, air
treatment devices can employ the present invention.
[0079] Still further, cleaning products can be dispensed in a
controlled fashion, such as those for cleaning cars, bikes, planes
and trucks. The food industry has numerous potential applications,
particularly for the dispensing of condiments, sauces and
vitamins.
[0080] To employ the dispensing device 10, 100 of the present
invention, the size and construction of the metering housing 26 as
well as the positioning of where the fluid material 12 is delivered
to the surface of the device can be easily modified to suit the
given application. The materials used for the container 42 and the
metering housing 26, while preferably flexible plastic, can be any
suitable material for the application at hand. Also, the container
42 can be made of a different material than the metering housing
26.
[0081] The support structure is preferably an inflatable jacket 60
but can be of many different types of configurations. A single
bladder 62 can be employed about the container pouch 10 or two
bladders 62 that mate together, as described above. Or, a plurality
of many inflatable members 62 can be welded together to form the
desired support structure, as in FIG. 7.
[0082] In view of the foregoing, a new and unique SUP media
dispenser 10, 100, which is well suited for liquids, gels and other
media, is provided. The new dispenser facilitates the delivery of
liquids and other media, optionally in a metered and dosed manner,
while providing an attractive appearance that is maintained
throughout the use of the product. It should be understood that the
present invention is not only applicable to packages of the
stand-up (SUP) type but also to any type of pouch, dispenser or
container. Such a product may or may not have features, such as
gussets, pleats, and the like, to assist in the evacuation of the
media. The new and novel dispenser 10, 100 is provided that can
deliver consistent metered dosages such fluid material 12 while
standing up or in a desired orientation at all times.
[0083] It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be
covered by the appended claims.
* * * * *