U.S. patent application number 13/323043 was filed with the patent office on 2013-06-13 for adaptor for connecting a fluid package to a dispenser bottle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Parker Laboratories, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Neal Buchalter, Kenneth M. Zinn. Invention is credited to Neal Buchalter, Kenneth M. Zinn.
Application Number | 20130146174 13/323043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48570898 |
Filed Date | 2013-06-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130146174 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zinn; Kenneth M. ; et
al. |
June 13, 2013 |
ADAPTOR FOR CONNECTING A FLUID PACKAGE TO A DISPENSER BOTTLE
Abstract
Adapters, systems, and methods are provided that can be used to
refill a fluid dispenser bottle. An adapter is used to connect a
fluid package to a dispenser bottle. The adapter includes a duct
configured to convey a fluid being transferred from the fluid
package to the dispenser bottle; a fluid package coupler coupled
with the duct and configured to couple with the fluid package so as
to place the duct in fluid communication with the fluid package; a
dispenser bottle coupler coupled with the duct and configured to
couple with the dispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluid
communication with the dispenser bottle; and at least one orifice
disposed offset from the duct for venting the dispenser bottle when
fluid is transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser
bottle.
Inventors: |
Zinn; Kenneth M.; (US)
; Buchalter; Neal; (Short Hills, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zinn; Kenneth M.
Buchalter; Neal |
Short Hills |
NJ |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Parker Laboratories, Inc.
Fairfield
NJ
|
Family ID: |
48570898 |
Appl. No.: |
13/323043 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/2 ; 141/114;
141/18; 141/332; 141/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 3/06 20130101; B65B
3/04 20130101; B65B 69/0008 20130101; B65B 3/045 20130101; B65B
3/10 20130101; B65B 39/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/2 ; 141/332;
141/344; 141/18; 141/114 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/06 20060101
B65B003/06; B65B 3/10 20060101 B65B003/10; B65B 39/00 20060101
B65B039/00 |
Claims
1. An adapter for connecting a fluid package to a dispenser bottle,
the adapter comprising: a duct configured to convey a fluid being
transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle; a fluid
package coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with
the fluid package so as to place the duct in fluid communication
with the fluid package; a dispenser bottle coupler coupled with the
duct and configured to couple with the dispenser bottle so as to
place the duct in fluid communication with the dispenser bottle;
and at least one orifice disposed offset from the duct for venting
the dispenser bottle when fluid is transferred from the fluid
package to the dispenser bottle.
2. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the duct is configured to
discharge fluid transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser
bottle offset from the at least one orifice.
3. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the duct extends beyond both
ends of the at least one orifice.
4. The adapter of claim 3, wherein the duct extends into the
dispenser bottle when the dispenser bottle coupler is coupled with
the dispenser bottle.
5. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the duct has a discharge cross
section from which fluid transferred from the fluid package to the
dispenser bottle is discharged, the discharge cross section having
an area less than an area of a receiving cross section of the
dispenser bottle across which the discharged fluid passes.
6. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the fluid package coupler
comprises a threaded interface configured to couple with a
complementarily configured threaded interface of the fluid
package.
7. The adapter of claim 6, wherein the fluid package coupler
comprises a female coupler configured to couple with a male coupler
of the fluid package.
8. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the dispenser bottle coupler
comprises a threaded interface configured to couple with a
complementarily configured threaded interface of the dispenser
bottle.
9. The adapter of claim 8, wherein the dispenser bottle coupler
comprises a female coupler configured to couple with a male coupler
of the dispenser bottle.
10. The adapter of claim 1, wherein the at least one orifice
comprises a plurality of orifices, each of the orifices being
disposed offset from the duct.
11. The adapter of claim 10, wherein the orifices comprise four
orifices.
12. The adapter of claim 11, wherein the orifices are uniformly
distributed around the duct.
13. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve
configured to inhibit fluid flow from the dispenser bottle to the
fluid package.
14. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a valve operable to
control flow of the fluid through the duct.
15. The adapter of claim 1, further comprising a rotary valve
operable to control flow of the fluid through the duct.
16. A system for refilling a dispenser bottle with a fluid; the
system comprising: a reservoir for storing a quantity of the fluid;
and an adapter configured to couple the reservoir with the
dispenser bottle, the adapter comprising a duct configured to
convey a quantity of the fluid being transferred from the reservoir
to the dispenser bottle, a reservoir coupler coupled with the duct
and configured to couple with the reservoir so as to place the duct
in fluid communication with the reservoir, a dispenser bottle
coupler coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the
dispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluid communication
with the dispenser bottle, and at least one orifice disposed offset
from the duct for venting the dispenser bottle when the quantity of
the fluid is transferred from the reservoir into the dispenser
bottle.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the reservoir is flexible so
that it can be deformed using hand pressure to increase pressure
within the reservoir to promote transfer of fluid from the
reservoir to the dispenser bottle.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the reservoir comprises a
plurality of impermeable membrane panels bonded together to form a
flexible fluid retaining body.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the membrane panels include two
or more bottom panels forming a gusseted base for the reservoir,
the gusseted base configured so that the reservoir will remain in
an upright orientation when placed on a horizontal support
surface.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the reservoir comprises: an
inlet/outlet port configured to couple with the reservoir coupler
so as to place the reservoir in fluid communication with the duct;
and at least one hanging opening, each hanging opening being
configured to receive a support member so that the reservoir can be
suspended in an inverted orientation in which the inlet/outlet port
is oriented to discharge fluid downward into the dispenser
bottle.
21. The system of claim 18, wherein the reservoir comprises a
carrying handle opening disposed in an area having a top panel of
the reservoir bonded to a side panel of the reservoir.
22. The system of claim 16, further comprising a valve operable to
control flow of the fluid through the duct.
23. The system of claim 16, further comprising a rotary valve
operable to control flow of the fluid through the duct.
24. A method for refilling a dispenser bottle with a fluid, the
method comprising: coupling an adapter fitting to the dispenser
bottle; coupling the adapter fitting to a reservoir containing the
fluid; transferring a quantity of the fluid from the reservoir,
through the adapter fitting, and into the dispenser bottle; and
venting the dispenser bottle via at least one orifice in the
adapter fitting during the transfer of the quantity of the fluid
into the dispenser bottle.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising coupling the adapter
fitting to the dispenser bottle.
26. The method of claim 24, further comprising deforming the
reservoir so as to increase pressure in the reservoir to promote
the transfer of the quantity of the fluid into the dispenser
bottle.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising orienting the
reservoir in an inverted orientation and orienting the dispenser
bottle in an upright orientation so that the quantity of the fluid
is transferred in a downward direction from the reservoir into the
dispenser bottle.
28. The method of claim 27, comprising hanging the reservoir in the
inverted orientation.
29. A method for refilling a dispenser bottle with a viscous fluid,
the method comprising: providing a flexible reservoir containing
the viscous fluid, the flexible reservoir formed from a plurality
of flexible membrane panels including two or more bottom panels
that form a gusseted base configured to support the flexible
reservoir in an upright orientation when placed on a horizontal
support surface; placing the flexible reservoir in an inverted
orientation, wherein the viscous fluid does not flow out of the
flexible reservoir through an open orifice in the flexible
reservoir; and deforming the flexible reservoir so as to increase
pressure in the flexible reservoir to eject a quantity of the
viscous fluid through the open orifice into the dispenser bottle.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to refilling a fluid
dispenser bottle, and more particularly to adapters, systems, and
methods that can be used to refill a dispenser bottle.
[0002] There are a wide variety of fluids that are dispensed from
dispenser bottles. Such fluids include edible fluids such as
ketchup, mustard, barbeque sauce, mayonnaise, etc., as well as a
many other fluids. These other fluids include both viscous and
non-viscous fluids. Exemplary viscous fluids include ultrasound
gels used to ultrasonically couple ultrasound transducers (e.g., an
imaging transducer, a therapeutic transducer) with a patient.
[0003] Existing dispenser bottles include dispenser bottles
configured to be hand held. Such a hand-held dispenser bottle is
often flexible so that the fluid can be dispensed by squeezing the
bottle to discharge the fluid through a dispenser nozzle. The
amount of fluid held in such a dispenser bottle may be, however,
relatively modest given weight and size constraints consistent with
ease of use. As a result, a large number of such dispenser bottles,
following dispensing of the fluid there from, become emptied of the
fluid to a point that inhibits further effective dispensing of the
fluid without refilling of the dispenser bottle.
[0004] Unfortunately, existing approaches used to refill dispenser
bottles may be less than desirable due to being time consuming,
messy, expensive, and/or inconvenient. For example, some ultrasound
gels are relatively viscous and can be somewhat sticky, thereby
making it a more difficult and time consuming effort to refill a
dispenser bottle with such an ultrasound gel. In many applications,
such as medical applications employing ultrasound gels, the expense
associated with refilling a dispenser bottle is greater due to the
high cost of the personnel involved. As a result, it may be more
economical to just discard the dispenser bottle once it becomes
depleted rather than incur the expense associated with refilling
the dispenser bottle. Such an approach, however, results in a good
deal of wasted material (e.g., the dispenser bottle, any residual
fluid in the dispenser bottle) as well as associated disposal
issues and expense.
[0005] Accordingly, improved approaches for refilling dispenser
bottles are desirable. Such improved approaches should provide for
convenient and economical refilling of dispenser bottles,
especially where viscous and possible sticky fluids such as some
ultrasound gels are involved.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of some
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of
the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of
the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0007] Adapters, systems, and methods are provided that can be used
to refill a dispenser bottle. The disclosed adapters, systems, and
methods provide for convenient and economical refilling of
dispenser bottles, and can be particularly beneficial when used in
conjunction with refilling dispenser bottles used to dispense a
viscous and/or somewhat sticky fluid, such as an ultrasound
coupling gel. While embodiments of the adapters, systems, and
methods disclosed herein are described primarily in conjunction
with ultrasound coupling gels, such adapters, systems, and methods
can be used in conjunction with any suitable fluid, both edible and
non-edible.
[0008] Thus, in one aspect, an adapter is provided for connecting a
fluid package to a dispenser bottle. The adapter includes a duct, a
fluid package coupler, a dispenser bottle coupler, and at least one
orifice. The duct is configured to convey a fluid being transferred
from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle. The fluid package
coupler is coupled with the duct and configured to couple with the
fluid package so as to place the duct in fluid communication with
the fluid package. The dispenser bottle coupler is coupled with the
duct and configured to couple with the dispenser bottle so as to
place the duct in fluid communication with the dispenser bottle.
And the at least one orifice is disposed offset from the duct. The
at least one orifice vents the dispenser bottle when fluid is
transferred from the fluid package to the dispenser bottle.
[0009] In many embodiments, the duct is configured to discharge the
transferred fluid into the dispenser bottle so that the discharged
fluid does not inhibit the venting of the dispenser bottle through
the at least one orifice. For example, the duct can be configured
to discharge fluid transferred from the fluid package to the
dispenser bottle offset from the at least one orifice. The duct can
extend beyond both ends of the at least one orifice. And the duct
can extend into the dispenser bottle when the dispenser bottle
coupler is coupled with the dispenser bottle. The duct can have a
discharge cross section from which fluid transferred from the fluid
package to the dispenser bottle is discharged, the discharge cross
section having an area less than an area of a receiving cross
section of the dispenser bottle across which the discharge fluid
passes.
[0010] In many embodiments, the adapter includes one or more
threaded interfaces. For example, the fluid package coupler can
include a threaded interface configured to couple with a
complimentarily configured threaded interface of the fluid package.
And the fluid package coupler can include a female coupler
configured to couple with a male coupler of the fluid package. The
dispenser bottle coupler can include a threaded interface
configured to couple with a complementarily configured threaded
interface of the dispenser bottle. And the dispenser bottle coupler
can include a female coupler configured to couple with a male
coupler of the dispenser bottle.
[0011] In many embodiments, the adapter includes multiple orifices,
which are used to vent the dispenser bottle during refilling. For
example, the adapter can include a plurality of orifices, each of
the orifices being disposed offset from the duct. In many
embodiments, the adapter includes four orifices. And in many
embodiments, the orifices are uniformly distributed around the
duct.
[0012] The adapter can include a fluid control valve that can be
used to control fluid flow between the fluid package and the
dispenser bottle. For example, the adapter can include a one-way
valve configured to inhibit fluid flow from the dispenser bottle to
the fluid package. The adapter can include a valve operable to
control flow of the fluid through the duct. And the adapter can
include a rotary valve operable to control flow of the fluid
through the duct.
[0013] In another aspect, a system is provided for refilling a
dispenser bottle with a fluid. The system includes a reservoir for
storing a quantity of the fluid and an adapter configured to couple
the reservoir with the dispenser bottle. The adapter includes a
duct, a reservoir coupler, a dispenser bottle coupler, and at least
one orifice. The duct is configured to convey a quantity of the
fluid being transferred from the reservoir to the dispenser bottle.
The reservoir coupler is coupled with the duct and is configured to
couple with the reservoir so as to place the duct in fluid
communication with the reservoir. The dispenser bottle coupler is
coupled with the duct and is configured to couple with the
dispenser bottle so as to place the duct in fluid communication
with the dispenser bottle. And the at least one orifice is disposed
offset from the duct. The at least one orifice vents the dispenser
bottle when the quantity of the fluid is transferred from the
reservoir into the dispenser bottle. The system can include a valve
operable to control flow of the fluid through the duct. And the
system can include a rotary valve operable to control flow of the
fluid through the duct.
[0014] In many embodiments, the reservoir is flexible so that it
can be deformed using hand pressure to increase pressure within the
reservoir to promote transfer of fluid from the reservoir to the
dispenser bottle. The reservoir can include a plurality of
impermeable membrane panels that are bonded together to form a
flexible fluid retaining body. The membrane panels can include, for
example, two or more bottom panels that form a gusseted base
configured so that the reservoir will remain in an upright
orientation when placed on a horizontal support surface.
[0015] The reservoir can include other suitable features. For
example, the reservoir can include an inlet/outlet port configured
to couple with the reservoir coupler so as to place the reservoir
in fluid communication with the duct. The reservoir can include at
least one hanging feature, such as at least one hanging opening
that is configured to receive a support member so that the
reservoir can be suspended in an inverted orientation in which the
inlet/outlet port is oriented to discharge fluid downward into the
dispenser bottle. And the reservoir can include a carrying handle,
such as a carrying handle opening disposed in an area having a top
panel of the reservoir bonded to a side panel of the reservoir.
[0016] In another aspect, a method is provided for refilling a
dispenser bottle with a fluid. The method includes coupling an
adapter fitting to the dispenser bottle; coupling the adapter
fitting to a reservoir containing the fluid; transferring a
quantity of the fluid from the reservoir, through the adapter
fitting, and into the dispenser bottle; and venting the dispenser
bottle via at least one orifice in the adapter fitting during the
transfer of the quantity of the fluid into the dispenser
bottle.
[0017] The method can further include acts used to promote the
transfer of the fluid from the reservoir to the dispenser bottle.
For example, the method can include deforming the reservoir so as
to increase pressure in the reservoir to promote the transfer of
the quantity of the fluid into the dispenser bottle. The method can
include orienting the reservoir in an inverted orientation and
orienting the dispenser bottle in an upright orientation so that
the quantity of the fluid is transferred in a downward direction
from the reservoir into the dispenser bottle. And the method can
include hanging the reservoir in the inverted orientation.
[0018] In another aspect, a method is provided for refilling a
dispenser bottle with a viscous fluid. The method includes
providing a flexible reservoir containing the viscous fluid, the
flexible reservoir formed from a plurality of flexible membrane
panels including two or more bottom panels that form a gusseted
base configured to support the flexible reservoir in an upright
orientation when placed on a horizontal support surface; placing
the flexible reservoir in an inverted orientation, wherein the
viscous fluid does not flow out of the flexible reservoir through
an open orifice in the flexible reservoir; and deforming the
flexible reservoir so as to increase pressure in the flexible
reservoir to eject a quantity of the viscous fluid through the open
orifice into the dispenser bottle.
[0019] For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of
the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing
detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a system for
refilling a dispenser bottle, the system including a reservoir and
an adapter fitting coupling the reservoir to the dispenser bottle,
in accordance with many embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating
components of the system of FIG. 1 as well as an optional valve, in
accordance with many embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adapter fitting for use
in refilling a dispenser bottle, in accordance with many
embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an adapter
fitting for use in refilling a dispenser bottle, in accordance with
many embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
adapter fitting for use in refilling a dispenser bottle, in
accordance with many embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter fitting for
use in refilling a dispenser bottle, the adapter fitting including
a one-way check valve, in accordance with many embodiments.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating deformation of
a flexible reservoir to promote fluid flow into the dispenser
bottle and venting of the dispenser bottle during refilling of the
dispenser bottle, in accordance with many embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram listing acts of a method for
refilling a dispenser bottle with a fluid, in accordance with many
embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram listing additional acts that
can be used in the method of FIG. 8, in accordance with many
embodiments.
[0029] FIG. 10 is a simplified diagram listing acts of a method for
refilling a dispenser bottle with a viscous fluid, in accordance
with many embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] In the following description, various embodiments of the
present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation,
specific configurations and details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it
will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present
invention can be practiced without the specific details.
Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in
order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference
numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1
shows a system 10 for refilling a dispenser bottle 12, in
accordance with many embodiments. The system 10 includes a fluid
package 14 that can be suspended in an inverted orientation as
illustrated in FIG. 1, and an adapter fitting 16 that is used to
couple the fluid package 14 with the dispenser bottle 12.
[0032] The fluid package 14 includes a flexible reservoir 18, an
inlet/outlet port 20, a carrying handle opening 22, and two hanging
openings 24. The flexible reservoir 18 is formed from a plurality
of impermeable membrane panels that are bonded together along
perimeter portions of the panels. The impermeable membrane panels
include two bottom panels 26 that form a base to support the fluid
package in an upright orientation when the fluid package is placed
on a horizontal support surface. Each of the two bottom panels 26
is bonded into both a side panel of the flexible reservoir 18 and
to the other bottom panel, thereby forming a base that includes two
bonded strips between the bottom panels 26 and a respective side
panel of the flexible reservoir 18 and a bonded strip between the
two bottom panels 26. These three bonded strips provide a stable
gusseted base that supports the fluid package 14 in the upright
orientation when the fluid package 14 is placed on a horizontal
support surface. The two hanging openings 24 are disposed at the
bottom of the fluid package in a perimeter portion of the bottom
panel 26, which is bonded to a perimeter portion of a side panel of
the flexible reservoir 18. While two bottom panels 26 are shown
forming the gusseted base, more than two bottom panels can also be
used to form a stable gusseted base, thereby providing additional
bonded strips.
[0033] The inlet/outlet port 20 is disposed at the top of the
flexible reservoir 18 adjacent to the carrying handle opening 22.
The top of the flexible reservoir 18 can include a top panel that
is bonded to side panels of the flexible reservoir 18 along
perimeter portions of the top and side panels. The inlet/outlet
port 20 can be bonded into the flexible reservoir 18. For example,
a length of the top panel perimeter portion can be bonded around a
perimeter portion of the inlet/outlet port 20 and a length of a
side panel perimeter portion can be bonded around the remaining
perimeter portion of the inlet/outlet port 20. The inlet/outlet
port 20 provides a fluid path through which the flexible reservoir
18 can be filled with fluid and through which fluid can be
transferred from the flexible reservoir 18 to refill the dispenser
bottle 12. The carrying handle opening can be disposed in a
perimeter portion of a side panel. And for added strength, the
carrying handle opening can be disposed in an area where a
perimeter portion of the side panel is bonded to a perimeter
portion of the top panel.
[0034] While the fluid package 14 is described as having the
flexible reservoir 18, any suitable type of reservoir can be used.
For example, a suitable non-flexible reservoir can be used. When a
non-flexible reservoir is used, a means for increasing pressure
within the non-flexible reservoir can be used to promote transfer
of fluid from the non-flexible reservoir to the dispenser bottle 12
during the refilling of the dispenser bottle 12.
[0035] In FIG. 1, the fluid package 14 is shown in an inverted
orientation that can be used to promote transfer of fluid from the
flexible reservoir 18 into the dispenser bottle 12. The fluid
package 14 is suspended in the inverted orientation from support
members 28 that engage the hanging openings 24. The dispenser
bottle 12 is suspended from the adapter fitting 16, which is
suspended from the fluid package 14.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of
components of the system 10. An inlet/outlet port cap 30 can be
coupled with the inlet/outlet port 20 to prevent fluid from
escaping the fluid package 14 when the fluid package 14 is not
being used to refill the dispenser bottle 12. The inlet/outlet port
cap 30 can have an internal thread configured to interface with a
complementarily configured external thread of the inlet/outlet port
20. The adapter fitting 16 includes a fluid package coupler 32 that
is configured similar to the inlet/outlet port cap 30 so that the
fluid package coupler 32 can be attached to the inlet/outlet port
20.
[0037] The adapter fitting 16 includes a dispenser bottle coupler
34. The dispenser bottle coupler 34 is configured to couple to the
dispenser bottle 12. For example, the dispenser bottle coupler 34
can have an internal thread configured to interface with a
complementarily configured external threaded portion of the
dispenser bottle 12.
[0038] The system 10 can optionally include a valve 35 that is
operable to control flow of the fluid from the fluid package 14.
The valve 35 can be incorporated in any suitable way. For example,
the valve 35 can be added in-line between the inlet/outlet port 20
and the adapter fitting 16 by coupling one end of the valve 35 to
the inlet/outlet port 20 and the other end of the valve 35 to the
adapter fitting 16. As another example, the valve 35 can be an
integral part of the adapter fitting 16. Any suitable type of valve
can be used as the valve 35. For example, the valve 35 can be a
rotary valve, for example, a ball valve. Inclusion of the valve 35
may be especially beneficial where the fluid in the fluid package
14 is substantially non-viscous.
[0039] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the adapter fitting 16.
The adapter fitting 16 includes four orifices 36 (three shown and
one hidden from view), which vent the dispenser bottle 12 when
fluid is transferred from the fluid package 14 to the dispenser
bottle 12. The orifices 36 place the inside of the dispenser bottle
12 in fluid communication with the atmosphere, thereby providing a
venting path for the discharge of air from the dispenser bottle 12
during the refilling of the dispenser bottle 12.
[0040] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another adapter
fitting 38, in accordance with many embodiments. The adapter
fitting 38 includes a fluid package coupler 40, a duct 42 attached
to the fluid package coupler 40, a dispenser bottle coupler 44, and
a partition 46 that attaches the dispenser bottle coupler 44 to the
duct 42. The partition 46 has multiple orifices 48 distributed
around the duct 42.
[0041] The fluid package coupler 40 has internal threads configured
to interface with complimentarily configured external threads of
the fluid package. When the fluid package coupler 40 is coupled to
the input/output port 20, the duct 42 is placed in fluid
communication with the fluid reservoir of the fluid package. While
a threaded interface is shown, any other suitable known coupling
interface can be used to couple the adapter fitting 38 to the
input/output port 20.
[0042] The duct 42 extends beyond both ends of the orifices 48. A
discharge cross section 50 of the duct 42 is offset from the
orifices 48, which may help to keep the fluid being transferred
away from the orifices 48 and thereby avoid plugging the orifices
48 or escaping through the orifices 48. The discharge cross section
50 has a cross-sectional area that is less than an area of a
receiving cross section of the dispenser bottle across which fluid
discharged from the duct 42 passes. The discharge cross section 50
is also offset laterally from the orifices, which also serves to
keep the fluid that is discharged from the duct from plugging the
orifices and/or escaping from the orifices.
[0043] The extended duct 42 includes external male threads that
match the external male threads of the input/output port 20 so that
the inlet/outlet port cap 30 can be coupled with the extended duct
42. Such a configuration allows the adapter fitting 38 to remain
attached to the fluid package 14 while also preventing fluid from
escaping the fluid package 14 when the fluid package 14 is not
being used to refill the dispenser bottle 12. While a threaded
interface is shown, any other suitable known coupling interface can
be used to couple the inlet/outlet port cap 30 to the extended duct
42.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of another adapter
fitting 52, in accordance with many embodiments. The adapter
fitting 52 is configured similar to the adapter fitting 38, but has
a duct 54 that, while not extending beyond both ends of the
orifices 48 as in the adapter fitting 38, is offset from the
orifices 48 and has a discharge cross section 56 that has a
cross-sectional area that is less than an area of a receiving cross
section of the dispenser bottle 12 across which fluid discharged
from the duct 54 passes.
[0045] The inlet/outlet port 20 and/or the duct 42, 54 can be
configured based on the viscosity of the fluid in the fluid package
14 so that the fluid does not flow out of the fluid package 14
without an increase in internal pressure within the fluid package
14. For example, such an increase in pressure can be selectively
caused by squeezing or otherwise deforming the fluid package 14 to
force the fluid out through the inlet/outlet port and/or the duct
42, 54. With such a configuration, the dispenser bottle need not be
coupled to the fluid package 14, but can be held underneath and the
fluid selectively squirted into the dispenser bottle by selectively
deforming the fluid package 14. Other means of increasing pressure
within the fluid package can also be used, such as injecting
pressurized air into the fluid package 14.
[0046] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of another adapter
fitting 58, in accordance with many embodiments. The adapter
fitting 58 is configured similar to the adapter fitting 52 of FIG.
5, but includes a one-way valve 60 that inhibits flow of the fluid
from the dispenser bottle 12 into the reservoir 18.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates venting of the dispenser bottle 12 during
refilling of the dispenser bottle 12, in accordance with many
embodiments. With the fluid package 24 in the inverted orientation
and the dispenser bottle 12 attached to the fluid package 14 via
the adapter fitting 16, the reservoir 18 is deformed (e.g., using
hand pressure), thereby forcing fluid from the reservoir 18 through
the adapter fitting 16 into the dispenser bottle 12. The fluid is
discharged from the adapter fitting duct into the dispenser bottle
12 at the discharge cross section of the duct. Because the
discharge cross section of the duct has a cross sectional area that
is less than the area of the receiving cross section of the
dispenser bottle, air in the dispenser bottle that is displaced by
the incoming fluid has a pathway to reach the orifices and be
vented there from. The configuration of the adapter fitting
provides for continuous venting of the displaced air in the
dispenser bottle during refilling of the dispenser bottle.
[0048] FIG. 8 lists acts of a method 70 for refilling a dispenser
bottle with a fluid, in accordance with many embodiments. The
method 70 includes coupling an adapter fitting to the dispenser
bottle (act 72); coupling the adapter fitting to a reservoir
containing the fluid (act 74); transferring a quantity of the fluid
from the reservoir, through the adapter, and into the dispenser
bottle (act 76); and venting the dispenser bottle via at least one
orifice in the adapter fitting during the transfer of the quantity
of the fluid into the dispenser bottle (act 78).
[0049] FIG. 9 lists additional acts that can be used in the method
70 of FIG. 8, in accordance with many embodiments. As optional
acts, the method 70 can also include deforming the reservoir so as
to increase pressure in the reservoir to promote the transfer of
the quantity of the fluid into the dispenser bottle (act 80);
orienting the reservoir in an inverted orientation and orienting
the dispenser bottle in an upright orientation so that the quantity
of the fluid is transferred in a downward direction from the
reservoir into the dispenser bottle (act 82); and hanging the
reservoir in the inverted orientation (act 84).
[0050] The method 70 can be practiced using any suitable reservoir,
adapter fitting, and dispenser bottle. For example, the method 70
can be practiced using the reservoirs, adapter fittings, and
dispenser bottles described herein.
[0051] FIG. 10 lists acts of a method 90 for refilling a dispenser
bottle with a viscous fluid, in accordance with many embodiments.
The method 90 includes providing a flexible reservoir containing
the viscous fluid, the flexible reservoir formed from a plurality
of flexible membrane panels including two or more bottom panels
that form a gusseted base configured to support the flexible
reservoir in an upright orientation when placed on a horizontal
support surface (act 92); placing the flexible reservoir in an
inverted orientation, wherein the viscous fluid does not flow out
of the flexible reservoir through an open orifice in the flexible
reservoir (act 94); and deforming the flexible reservoir so as to
increase pressure in the flexible reservoir to eject a quantity of
the viscous fluid through the open orifice into the dispenser
bottle (act 96). Act 94 can be accomplished by, for example,
hanging the flexible reservoir in the inverted orientation.
[0052] The method 90 can be practiced using any suitable reservoir
and dispenser bottle. For example, the method 90 can be practiced
using the reservoirs and dispenser bottles described herein. And
method 90 can also be practiced using the adapter fittings
described herein.
[0053] Other variations are within the spirit of the present
invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various
modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated
embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been
described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that
there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form
or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover
all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents
falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in
the appended claims.
[0054] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as
partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together,
even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of
values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of
referring individually to each separate value falling within the
range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value
is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention
and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless
otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be
construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the
practice of the invention.
[0055] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
[0056] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
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