U.S. patent application number 15/133706 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for variable ratio dual dispenser for fluids.
The applicant listed for this patent is VariBlend Dual Dispensing Systems LLC. Invention is credited to Geoffrey Brace, Robert Brands, Glynn Clements.
Application Number | 20160311602 15/133706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55969466 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160311602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brace; Geoffrey ; et
al. |
October 27, 2016 |
VARIABLE RATIO DUAL DISPENSER FOR FLUIDS
Abstract
A dual dispenser includes a first container adapted to hold a
first product, the first container including an end portion having
at least one dispensing port and a second container adapted to hold
a second product, the second container including an end portion
having at least one dispensing port. The dual dispenser also
includes a closure having at least one dispensing opening therein
adapted to be in fluid communication with the at least one
dispensing port of the first and second containers. The end
portions of the first and second containers form a neck finish
adapted to receive the closure. The neck finish and closure include
engagement surfaces for rotatably mounting the closure on the neck
finish such that the closure can rotate relative to the first and
second containers. Upon rotation of the closure, the at least one
dispensing port of the first and second containers are aligned or
misaligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the closure
so that a variable amount of first and second products are
dispensed from the dual dispenser depending upon the orientation of
the closure relative to the first and second containers.
Inventors: |
Brace; Geoffrey; (Columbus,
NC) ; Brands; Robert; (Stuart, FL) ; Clements;
Glynn; (Greenville, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
VariBlend Dual Dispensing Systems LLC |
Greenville |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55969466 |
Appl. No.: |
15/133706 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62153198 |
Apr 27, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 35/22 20130101;
B65D 35/242 20130101; B01F 5/0615 20130101; B01F 15/0404 20130101;
B65D 35/245 20130101; A45D 2200/058 20130101; F16K 11/074 20130101;
B01F 15/0412 20130101; A45D 34/00 20130101; A45D 40/24 20130101;
B01F 15/0226 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32; B65D 47/26 20060101 B65D047/26; B65D 35/44 20060101
B65D035/44; B65D 47/32 20060101 B65D047/32; B65D 35/22 20060101
B65D035/22; B65D 35/24 20060101 B65D035/24 |
Claims
1. A dual dispenser comprising: a first container adapted to hold a
first product, the first container including an end portion having
at least one dispensing port; a second container adapted to hold a
second product, the second container including an end portion
having at least one dispensing port; a closure including at least
one dispensing opening therein adapted to be in fluid communication
with the at least one dispensing port of the first and second
containers; wherein the end portions of the first and second
containers form a neck finish adapted to receive the closure, the
neck finish and closure including engagement surfaces for rotatably
mounting the closure on the neck finish such that the closure can
rotate relative to the first and second containers, and wherein
upon rotation of the closure, the at least one dispensing port of
the first and second containers are aligned or misaligned with the
at least one dispensing opening of the closure so that a variable
amount of first and second products are dispensed from the dual
dispenser depending upon the orientation of the closure relative to
the first and second containers.
2. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second containers comprise a flexible tube so that the first and
second products are dispensed by applying pressure to the flexible
tube.
3. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second containers are integrally formed as a single container
having a dividing wall between the first and second containers and
a unitary neck finish.
4. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second containers are separately formed and each end portion
includes half of the neck finish.
5. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the engagement
surfaces comprise an outwardly projecting rib received in a
groove.
6. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure
includes two dispensing openings so that the first and second
products are not mixed until after being dispensed from the dual
dispenser.
7. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure
includes a mixing chamber so that the first and second products are
mixed when dispensed from the dual dispenser.
8. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second products are the same or different products.
9. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure is
snap-fitted on the neck finish.
10. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure
includes a substantially flat cap for removably sealing the at
least one closure dispensing opening and to allow the dual
dispenser to be supported on a surface by the closure.
11. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first and
second containers include a plurality of dispensing ports.
12. A dual dispenser according to claim 11, wherein the plurality
of dispensing ports comprise various sizes for outputting varying
amounts of first and second products.
13. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the closure
includes a plurality of dispensing openings for alignment and
misalignment with the plurality of dispensing ports on the first
and second containers.
14. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
dispensing port on the first and second containers comprises a
radial slot.
15. A dual dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the radial slot
tapers from a larger opening to a smaller opening.
16. A dual dispenser according to claim 15, wherein the radial slot
in fluid communication with the second container is a mirror image
of the radial slot in fluid communication with the first
container.
17. A dual dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the closure
includes closure dispensing openings for alignment and misalignment
with the radial slots on the first and second containers.
18. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising
markings on the closure and first and second containers to indicate
a dispensing ratio of the first product and second product.
19. A dual dispenser according to claim 18, wherein the markings
include detents and recesses on the closure and first and second
containers to provide tactile feedback of the dispensing ratio
setting.
20. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
dispensing port of the first and second containers are fully
misaligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the closure
providing a no flow storage position.
21. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the sealed end
of the dual dispenser comprises means for hanging the dual
dispenser on a hook or the like.
22. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising a
vent valve in each of the first and second containers to allow air
to be drawn into the container to replace dispensed product so that
the dual dispenser maintains its original slope.
23. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising an
intermediate component having at least two apertures thereon, the
intermediate component adapted to be mounted between the closure
and neck finish to modify a size of the at least one dispensing
port of the first and second containers.
24. A dual dispenser according to claim 23, wherein the at least
two apertures comprise a plurality of holes or radial slots.
25. A dual dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the first
container is concentrically located within the second container.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/153,198 filed on Apr. 27, 2015, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a variable ratio dual
dispenser. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
variable ratio dual dispenser that stores two or more fluids
separately and then dispenses the two fluids or products
simultaneously at either a desired or preselected ratio.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are known containers, such as condiment dispensers,
that control the rate of dispensing a solid substance by rotation
of a closure that controls the size of the opening for dispensing
the contents from a single reservoir of the solid substance. Some
dispensers have multiple, small outlet holes that incrementally
align with the reservoir orifice (or vice-versa) to control the
rate of dispensing. Similarly, a dispenser for various fishing
weights has an alignment of an orifice over only one
size/compartment for weights to ensure only the desired size weight
is dispensed.
[0004] There is also a known dual chamber plastic tube dispenser
for use with thick liquids, as opposed to fluids, for glue, gel,
creme and toothpaste. There is a commercial product, such as Avon's
Tube-in-a-Tube, in which one solution is in a first tube, and a
second solution is in a second, smaller tube built into the larger
tube so that when the first tube is squeezed by a consumer, both
tubes are squeezed and thus both the first and second solution are
dispensed simultaneously.
[0005] However, there are problems with the present dual
dispensers, especially for fluids, since the ratio of each fluid to
the other cannot be controlled, let alone with any formulation
accuracy.
[0006] Thus, there is a need for an improved dual dispenser that is
cost effective, and more particularly, dispenses two or more fluid
ingredients initially stored separately and mixed at dispensing in
a desired/selectable ratio.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present invention provides a variable ratio, dual fluid
dispenser.
[0008] The present invention also provides such a variable ratio,
dual fluid dispenser that stores two or more fluids separately and
dispenses the two fluids simultaneously at either a desired or
preselected ratio.
[0009] The present invention further provides, in one embodiment, a
variable ratio, dual fluid dispenser that dispenses the two fluids
simultaneously at any one of several preselected desired
ratios.
[0010] The present invention further provides, in another
embodiment, a variable ratio, dual fluid dispenser that dispenses
the two fluids simultaneously at any one of an almost infinite
number of desired ratios.
[0011] The present invention yet further provides such a variable
ratio, dual fluid dispenser that dispenses the two fluids
simultaneously at any one of an almost infinite number of desired
ratios in which the ratios can be altered even during use.
[0012] The present invention also provides such variable ratio,
dual dispensers that can show a ratio being dispensed using a
visual indicator.
[0013] The present invention provides such a variable ratio dual
dispenser that can be used for a variety of consumer products.
[0014] A dual dispenser of the present invention includes a first
container adapted to hold a first product, the first container
including an end portion having at least one dispensing port and a
second container adapted to hold a second product, the second
container including an end portion having at least one dispensing
port. The dual dispenser further includes a closure having at least
one dispensing opening therein adapted to be in fluid communication
with the at least one dispensing port of the first and second
containers. The end portions of the first and second containers
form a neck finish adapted to receive the closure, the neck finish
and closure including engagement surfaces for rotatably mounting
the closure on the neck finish such that the closure can rotate
relative to the first and second containers. Upon rotation of the
closure, the at least one dispensing port of the first and second
containers are aligned or misaligned with the at least one
dispensing opening of the closure so that a variable amount of
first and second products are dispensed from the dual dispenser
depending upon the orientation of the closure relative to the first
and second containers. Preferably, the first and second containers
comprise a flexible tube so that the first and second products are
dispensed by applying pressure to the flexible tube. The first and
second containers are preferably integrally formed as a single
container having a dividing wall between the first and second
containers and a unitary neck finish. Alternatively, the first and
second containers are separately formed and each end portion
includes half of the neck finish.
[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the engagement
surfaces on the closure and neck finish include an outwardly
projecting rib received in a groove. It will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that many variations of engagement
surfaces may be used to allow the closure to rotate relative to the
dispenser body. The closure preferably includes two dispensing
openings so that the first and second products are not mixed until
after being dispensed from the dual dispenser. In a further
embodiment, the closure may include a mixing chamber so that the
first and second products are mixed when dispensed from the dual
dispenser. The first and second products may be different products
having different characteristics. Alternatively, the first and
second products may be the same product, but may have different
colors which may be blended after dispensing.
[0016] Preferably, the closure is snap-fitted on the neck finish.
The closure may include a substantially flat cap for removably
sealing the at least one closure dispensing opening and to allow
the dual dispenser to be supported on a surface by the closure. In
one embodiment, the first and second containers include a plurality
of dispensing ports. The plurality of dispensing ports include
various sizes for outputting varying amounts of first and second
products. The closure may include a plurality of dispensing
openings for alignment and misalignment with the plurality of
dispensing ports on the first and second containers. In one
embodiment, the at least one dispensing port on the first and
second containers is formed as a radial slot. More preferably, the
radial slot tapers from a larger opening to a smaller opening to
allow for better adjustment of the ratios of products being
dispensed. The radial slot in fluid communication with the second
container is preferably a mirror image of the radial slot in fluid
communication with the first container so that upon rotating the
closure openings relative thereto, an infinitely variable ratio of
products form the first and second containers may be dispensed.
Preferably, the closure includes a plurality of dispensing openings
for alignment and misalignment with the radial slots on the first
and second containers. The dual dispenser may further include
markings on the closure and/or first and second containers to
indicate a dispensing ratio of the first product and second
product. The markings may include detents and recesses on the
closure and first and second containers to provide tactile feedback
of the dispensing ratio setting. In one dispensing position, the at
least one dispensing port of the first and second containers are
fully misaligned with the at least one dispensing opening of the
closure providing a no flow storage position. The bottom end of the
body, once filled with products, includes a bottom seal.
Preferably, the sealed end includes means for hanging the dual
dispenser on a hook or the like, such as a hole or hook. The dual
dispenser may further include a vent valve in each of the first and
second containers to allow air to be drawn into the container to
replace dispensed product so that the dual dispenser maintains its
original slope.
[0017] In an alternative embodiment, the dual dispenser further
includes an intermediate component having at least two apertures
thereon. The intermediate component is adapted to be mounted
between the closure and neck finish to modify a size of the at
least one dispensing port of the first and second containers. For
example, the at least two apertures may include a plurality of
holes or radial slots.
[0018] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail with reference to the figures, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention
is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being
carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of
"including" and "comprising" and variations thereof is meant to
encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as
well as additional items and equivalents thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
dual dispenser of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
dual dispenser of FIG. 1 with the closure removed from the
dispenser.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional, bottom perspective view of the
dual dispenser of FIG. 2.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, bottom plan view of the dual
dispenser of FIG. 1 illustrating the interaction of the closure and
body of the dual dispenser.
[0023] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate three selected positions of the
closure relative to the openings in the dual dispenser of FIG.
1.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
dual dispenser of the present invention which includes a metering
dispensing cap having markings thereon to identify the ratio of
product dispersed.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
dual dispenser of the present invention including a metering
dispensing cap.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container of the third
embodiment of the dual dispenser of FIG. 7 with the closure removed
from the dispenser.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional, bottom perspective view of the
dual dispenser of FIG. 7 illustrating the interaction of the
closure and body of the dual dispenser.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the closure of the dual
dispenser of FIG. 7.
[0029] FIGS. 11 A-C illustrate three selected positions of the
closure of FIG. 7.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a longitudinal cross-section of the dual
dispenser of FIG. 7.
[0031] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the dual dispenser closure
of FIG. 6.
[0032] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an indicator
system of a dual dispenser shown in FIG. 6.
[0033] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of the dual dispenser of the present invention having concentric
tube containers.
[0034] FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of the outer tube of the
dual dispenser of FIG. 14.
[0035] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the inner tube of the
dual dispenser of FIG. 14.
[0036] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of the dual dispenser
of FIG. 14 illustrating the interaction of the closure and body of
the dual dispenser.
[0037] FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating a first selected
position of the dual dispenser of FIG. 14.
[0038] FIG. 20 is a schematic view illustrating a second selected
position of the dual dispenser of FIG. 14.
[0039] FIG. 21 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the dual
dispenser of FIG. 6 having a mixer provided at the spout.
[0040] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a first embodiment for a
tube end of the dual dispenser of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a second embodiment for a
tube end of the dual dispenser of the present invention.
[0042] FIGS. 24 A-B illustrate a vent valve assembly for each tube
of a dual dispenser of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a further
embodiment of the present invention including an intermediate
component.
[0044] FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of the present invention including a disc component.
[0045] FIG. 27 is a schematic illustration of the alignment of a
tapered radial slot with a plurality of potential dispensing
opening positions.
[0046] FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of the alignment of
offset dispensing ports with a plurality of potential dispensing
opening positions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0047] Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIG. 1, there
is shown a dual dispenser of the present invention generally
represented by reference numeral 10. Dual dispenser 10 has a
closure 20 and a body or tube 40. As shown in FIG. 1, closure 20
preferably has a cylindrical skirt portion 22 and a pair of holes
or closure dispensing openings 23 and 26.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 2 with the closure removed, tube 40 has a
top surface 42 and a neck finish or end portion 50 with a number of
holes or dispensing ports 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, and 57 therein. As
shown in FIG. 2, neck finish 50 also has a rib or ring flange that
allows closure 20 to snap fit thereon and permit rotation of
closure 20 relative to the tube 40 to allow alignment of the
dispensing ports to vary the amount of product to be dispensed from
each side of the tube. Preferably, the tube 40 is made of flexible
plastic so that products may be dispensed simply by squeezing the
tube.
[0049] As shown in the bottom perspective view of FIG. 3, tube 40
has a pair of reservoirs or chambers 43 and 46 so that in the
cross-section shown there is a wall 47 of tube 40 that separates
chamber 43 from chamber 46. Thus, the contents in each chamber do
not and cannot mix together within the dual dispenser. As shown in
FIG. 3, wall 47 is continuous from the bottom to the underside of
the top 50 of tube 40 so that tube dispensing ports 52, 53 and 54
of chamber 43 remain completely separated from tube dispensing
ports 55, 56 and 57 of chamber 46. Dispensing ports 52, 53 and 54
(like tube dispensing ports 55, 56 and 57, respectively),
preferably have different diameters to allow a different volume
and, thus, speed of viscous product to be dispensed from chamber 43
will be achieved by the selection of a different sized tube
dispensing port. Accordingly, it is preferred that each group of
tube dispensing ports, namely group 52, 53 and 54 for chamber 43
and group 55, 56 and 57 for chamber 46 have the same diameter
sizing in the groups. The selection of the size or diameters can be
determined to compensate for differing viscosity/rheology
characteristics of the two fluids, such as, for example, liquids,
lotions or gels, being dispensed. Also, it is preferred that the
larger sized diameter dispensing port 54 of chamber 43 align with
the smallest sized dispensing port 57 of chamber 46 to achieve the
preferred proportionality of dispensing of product from each
chamber. As shown in each embodiment, the largest dispensing
opening is preferably paired with the zero opening, or closed
position for the other chamber.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view illustrating an alignment of
dispensing port 54 of chamber 43 with closure dispensing opening
26. As shown in FIG. 4, only product held in chamber 43 would be
dispensed since all dispensing ports 55, 56 and 57 of chamber 46
are blocked by the closure. Thus, this illustration provides an
example of a 100/0 ratio of dispensing of product. Rotation of the
closure 20 relative to the neck finish 50 of the tube selects
different dispensing ratios.
[0051] More specifically, dual dispenser 10 has chambers 43 and 46
that are preferably each formed as a flexible tube portion. As
discussed above, each chamber 43 and 46 has one or more defined
tube dispensing ports 52, 53 and 54, and 55, 56 and 57,
respectively, which are matched with the closure 20 dispensing
openings 23, 26. Closure 20 rotates on neck finish 50 of body tube
40 (shown in FIG. 1) so that the closure dispensing openings 23, 26
(as shown in FIG. 1) interact, namely align or misalign, with tube
dispensing ports 52, 53 and 54, and 55, 56 and 57, respectively, to
create defined flow paths for products to be dispensed from each
chamber 43, 46. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, when a
closure dispensing opening 23, 26 aligns or partially aligns with
any tube dispensing ports 52 to 57, product from the respective
chamber 43, 46 can flow out of the chamber through closure 20 (via
closure dispensing openings 23, 26) and thus out of dual dispenser
10 for use by the consumer.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 5A, by rotation of closure 20, tube
dispensing port 23 is in full alignment with closure dispensing
opening 54, while tube dispensing port 26 is fully misaligned with
any closure dispensing opening so that squeezing dual dispenser 10
would cause only product in chamber 43 from dispensing, while the
misalignment prevents any product from being dispensed from chamber
46. Accordingly, one hundred percent (100%) of product is dispensed
from chamber 43 while nothing or zero percent (0%) of fluid is
dispensed from chamber 46.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 5B, rotation of closure 20 aligns closure
dispensing opening 23 with small tube dispensing port 52 to permit
the flow of fluid therethrough from chamber 43 and coincidentally
aligns dispensing opening 26 and medium tube dispensing port 56 so
that product flows therethrough from chamber 46. Tube dispensing
port 56 has a larger diameter than tube dispensing port 52 will
therefore permit a higher or greater flow of product from chamber
46 through tube dispensing port 56 than from chamber 43 through
tube dispensing port 52. Accordingly, in FIG. 5B, approximately
twenty-five percent (25%) of product is dispensed from chamber 43
while seventy-five percent (75%) of product is dispensed from
chamber 46. When closure 20 is further rotated to a position as
shown in FIG. 5C, closure dispensing openings 23, 26 align with
tube dispensing ports 53 and 57, respectively, so that a higher or
greater flow of product from chamber 43 is now permitted than from
chamber 46. Accordingly, approximately seventy-five percent (75%)
of product is dispensed from chamber 43 while approximately
twenty-five percent (25%) of product is dispensed from chamber
46.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 1, the products dispensed from each closure
dispensing opening are dispensed separately, for example as
side-by-side separate ribbons which can be mixed after dispensing.
It is also envisioned that flow from each chamber 43, 46 could be
mixed or combined after reaching closure dispensing openings 23 or
26 into a single tube dispensing opening. Flow from each/either of
the two separated chambers could be combined into a single
dispensing opening, downstream, either with or without co-mingling,
i.e. as two conjoined ribbons, or could be forced through a static
mixing element, or could be dispensed as two separated ribbons to
be mixed by external means, e.g. dispensed onto the skin and
manually spread or dispensed into a mixing cup and stirred.
[0055] The control of the products being dispensed or formulation
volume/ratio can be achieved by varying the diameter and/or
cross-section, or cross-sectional configuration, or number of the
tube dispensing ports and closure dispensing openings. This
"opening adjustment" allows dual dispenser 10 to compensate for
differences in formulation viscosity, and/or desired mixture
ratios, by producing a wide range of combinations of tube
dispensing ports and/or closure dispensing openings.
[0056] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present
invention generally represented by reference numeral 70. Dual
dispenser 70 has a closure 80 and a body or tube 90. Body 90 is a
dual chamber tube similar to that shown in FIG. 2 and discussed
above. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dual
dispenser may also be formed by two separate tube halves which
together form the tube body. Closure 80 includes a spout 84 and a
half-shell raised chamber or trough 86 having dispensing openings
which are adapted to align, as shown in FIG. 6, with various tube
dispensing ports depending upon the orientation to the tube body,
such as dispensing ports 53 and 57 shown in FIG. 6.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 7, a further alternative embodiment of the
present invention is generally represented by reference numeral
100. Unless indicated to the contrary, respective numerals for this
embodiment, such as 123, refer to the respective component, such as
23, in the first embodiment.
[0058] Dual dispenser 100 has a closure 120 and a body or dual tube
140. Closure 120 preferably has a larger diameter cylindrical skirt
portion 122, and a smaller diameter, and taller, cylindrical spout
portion 121 that forms a step 129, and a pair of holes or closure
dispensing ports 123 and 126 formed on spout portion 121. As shown
in FIG. 7, cylindrical spout portion 121 has a pair of grips 127
that facilitate rotation of closure 120 relative to the body 140.
As with the first embodiment, body 140 of dual dispenser 100 has an
upper surface 142, and a neck finish or end portion 150 (shown in
FIG. 8).
[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, neck finish or end portion 150 has a
rib or ring flange 151 on an exterior surface similar to that shown
in FIG. 2 (reference numeral 51). The end portion 150 of the tube
also includes a pair of slotted dispensing ports 152 and 155
therein. The rib 151 allows the closure 120 having a corresponding
groove on an inner surface of the closure skirt to snap fit thereon
and permit rotation of closure 120 relative to the tube. Each tube
slotted dispensing port 152 and 155 preferably is in the form of a
portion of a ring-shaped slot in the end portion 150.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 9, tube 140 has a pair of reservoirs or
chambers 143 and 146 so that in the cross-section shown there is a
wall 147 of dual dispenser 100 that separates chamber 143 from
chamber 146. Thus, wall 147 prevents the contents of one chamber
143, 146 from mixing with the contents of the other chamber within
dual dispenser 100.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 9, wall 147 is continuous from the bottom
to the underside of the top of the neck finish 150 of tube 140.
Thus, tube dispensing port 152 of chamber 143 remains completely
separated from tube dispensing port 155 of chamber 146. FIG. 9
illustrates a configuration wherein there is approximately a fifty
percent (50%) dispensing from each chamber 143, 146 of the tube
140.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 10, the grips 127 also include slotted
openings 132, 134 which are in fluid combination with closure
dispensing openings 123, 126, respectively as shown by flow arrows
A and B. The slotted openings 132, 134 are variably aligned with
the slotted dispensing ports 152, 155 formed in the tube end
portion 150.
[0063] FIG. 11A illustrates a configuration in which closure
dispensing opening 126 is completely aligned with tube dispensing
port 155 so that there is complete flow therethrough, and closure
dispensing opening 123 is misaligned with tube dispensing port 152
so that there is no flow therethrough. FIG. 11B illustrates when
closure dispensing openings 123 and 126 are aligned with tube
dispensing ports 152 and 155, respectively, so that there is
substantially equal or approximately fifty percent (50%) total flow
through each of the two pairs of closure and tube dispensing ports,
namely closure/tube dispensing ports 123/152 and closure/tube
dispensing opening 126/155. FIG. 11C illustrates when closure 120
has closure dispensing openings 123 slightly aligned with tube
dispensing port 152, and closure dispensing opening 126 almost
completely aligned with tube dispensing port 155. Thus, the pair of
closure/tube dispensing ports 123/152 has about twenty percent
(20%) of the total flow, while the pair of closure/tube dispensing
ports 126/155 has about eighty percent (80%) of the total flow
therethrough.
[0064] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the dual
dispenser 100. As shown in FIG. 12, wall 147 completely separates
chambers 143, 146. As shown, there is preferably a baffle 148 that
steadies the flow through tube dispensing ports 152, 155. In the
embodiment shown, dual dispenser 100 can have an exterior cap 190.
Exterior cap 190 is preferably connected by hinge element 194 to
dual dispenser 100. More preferably, hinge element 194 is
integrally connected to dual dispenser 100 so that exterior cap 190
is integrally hinged to the closure for the dual dispenser.
[0065] Exterior cap 190 preferably has protuberances 196 that fit
into closure dispensing openings so that these closure dispensing
openings are sealed to prevent or minimize inadvertent dispensing
of product from the dual dispenser 100. As discussed below, this
exterior cap 190 with protuberances 196 preferably includes a flat
top surface to permit the inverted or up-side-down placement of
dual dispenser 100 for storage.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 13, another aspect of the present invention
that can also be used with any embodiment disclosure herein is an
alignment system that aligns the closure and tube dispensing ports
in a stop position. The alignment system includes at least two
cooperating features, namely a rib assembly and an indexing system.
In one embodiment, the rib assembly includes a stop rib 182 and two
other wing ribs 184. The indexing system includes an indexing bump
186 and four indexing detents 188. The rib assembly and indexing
systems can be positioned anywhere along the circumference of
either a shoulder of each tube or the underside of the closure. The
indexing detents 188 are preferably spaced along a circumference
where a tube dispensing port will align with a closure dispensing
opening. The stop rib 182 and indexing bump 186 are preferably
located on the same member (either the shoulder of each chamber or
the closure) and the two wing ribs 184 and four indexing detents
188 are preferably positioned on the other member. The stop rib 182
and the two wing ribs 184 cooperate to restrict rotation of the
closure, while the indexing bump 186 cooperates with the four
indexing detents 188 to align the closure dispensing openings with
the tube dispensing ports.
[0067] Upon rotation of the upper portion of the closure relative
to the lower skirt portion, one of the two wing ribs 184 contacts
stop rib 182 when the closure and tube dispensing ports are aligned
so that, e.g., product is dispensed from one chamber while the tube
dispensing ports of the other chamber are completely closed or
misaligned with closure dispensing openings so that no fluid can be
dispensed from the other chamber. At this point, indexing bump 186
aligns or contacts one of the four indexing detents 188.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 13, when the two wing ribs 184 do not
contact stop rib 182, two pairs of closure and tube dispensing
ports are aligned so that fluid can be dispensed from each chamber.
As shown, indexing bump 186 cooperates with one of the four
indexing detents 188. Thus, a proportional mixture of product from
each chamber can be dispensed, e.g., equal amounts of each.
[0069] FIG. 14 illustrates an indicator system 80 that can also be
used with any embodiment disclosed herein. There are a number of
indicator elements 82 positioned on dual dispenser body 40, 140
that clearly indicate the different ratio positions for products to
be dispensed from the dual dispenser. On closure (20, 120), there
is a single selector or pointer 84 that once aligned with one of
the indicator elements 82 visually shows that closure dispensing
openings and tube dispensing ports are in alignment in a desired
position to indicate a desired dispensing ratio. This marking
feature can be enhanced by a physical detent between the closure
and the dispenser body thereby also providing a tactile feel that
the closure is at a location for a desired ratio.
[0070] However, the indicator elements could also be in the form of
a `sliding scale` of color, such as for example, a thin rectangle
whose length is equivalent to the full angle of rotation of the
closure. The rectangle preferably will have a diagonal line. Above
the diagonal line could be, e.g., black for the product in chamber
143 and below the line could be, e.g., white for the product in
chamber 146. Thus, as the closure is rotated from full black end of
one hundred percent from chamber 143 to one hundred percent from
chamber 146 or full white, the sliding scale would indicate
relative ratio of black and white being dispensed.
[0071] Thus, the rib and detent assemblies, besides snapping into
position when aligned to assure alignment, provide a tactile
indicator of the alignment. The indicator system 80 provides a
visual indicator of the alignment. Accordingly, a user of the dual
dispenser having these features receives both tactile and visual
indications that product will be dispensed at the desired/selected
ratio.
[0072] A still further embodiment of a dual dispenser according to
the present invention is shown in FIG. 15. This dual dispenser
having two concentric tubes is represented by reference numeral
200. Preferably the dual dispenser is formed of a flexible plastic
material so that products may be dispensed by pressure or squeezing
the tube. Dual dispenser 200 has a closure 210 with a
circumferential skirt portion 212 and a top surface 214. Top
surface 214 includes a spout 216 extending therefrom having two
dispensing openings 218, 219. Closure 210 is placed on the outer
tube 220 of dual dispenser 200 so that skirt portion 212 surrounds
the outer surface of outer tube 220 and can be rotated with respect
to the outer tube.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 16 which illustrates outer tube 220 alone,
outer tube 220 has an interior surface 221 that defines a large
hollow area 229, and an elongated cylindrical shape 222 with an
upper top edge 225. Upper top edge 225 has therethrough a number of
holes or dispensing ports 232, 233, 234, 235 and 236 therein. As
shown in FIG. 16, the diameter or size of each dispensing port
increases in the clockwise direction from port 232 to port 236.
Also, between port 232 and port 236 in the counterclockwise
direction is a large circumferential area 238 in which there are no
dispensing ports to provide an area for creating a storage position
wherein no product can be dispensed from the outer tube 220.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 17, dual dispenser 200 has an inner tube
240. Inner tube 240 also has a substantially cylindrical shape with
an elongated body 242 and a complete upper surface 245. Inner tube
240 has an outer diameter than is slightly smaller than the
diameter of hollow area 229 so that inner tube 240 can be mounted
into the outer tube 220. Alternatively, the concentric tubes may be
integrally formed using a single molding process.
[0075] Analogous to outer tube 220, upper surface 245 of inner tube
240 has a number of holes or dispensing ports 252, 253, 254, 255,
and 256 therein. However, dispensing ports 252, 253, 254, 255, and
256 of upper surface 245 have an opposite sizing of the dispensing
ports of upper edge 225. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, when
the inner tube is mounted within the outer tube dispensing port 253
of inner surface 245 axially aligns with dispensing port 232 of
upper edge 225. Dispensing port 232 has the smallest diameter or
size of all dispensing ports in outer tube 220. Thus, in contrast
to the dispensing ports of upper edge 225, dispensing ports 252 to
256 of inner surface 245 reduce in diameter in the clockwise
direction so that different ratios of products from the inner and
outer tubes may be dispensed depending on the alignment of the
dispensing ports within the closure spout openings. For inner
surface 245, between port 252 and port 256 in the counterclockwise
direction there is also a large circumferential area 258 in which
there are no dispensing ports.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 18, when outer tube 220 is mounted onto
inner tube 240, dispensing ports of outer tube 220 axially align
with dispensing ports of inner tube 240. For example, dispensing
port 232 of outer tube 220 is shown in positional relationship to
dispensing port 253 of inner surface 245.
[0077] As shown schematically in FIG. 19, when spout 216 (of
closure 210 shown in FIG. 23) is in a selected position, all
dispensing ports of inner tube 220 are misaligned and, thus, flow
is blocked therethrough. However, dispensing port 236 of outer tube
220 aligns with spout 216 so that the product in outer tube 220 can
be dispensed. Thus, outer tube has dispensing port 236 completely
opened and inner tube has all dispensing ports completely closed or
misaligned.
[0078] FIG. 20 shows another selected position in which spout 216
is positioned so that outer tube 220 has approximately sixty
percent (60%) of its product dispensed through port 255, while
inner tube 240 has approximately forty percent (40%) of its product
dispensed through port 234. This is achieved due to the alignment
of spout 216 with the different sized dispensing ports 255 and 234
of inner tube 220 and outer tube 240, respectively. As shown in
FIG. 15, spout 216 can have a single opening or a pair of openings
218, 219 with each opening adapted to align with a different one of
the inner and outer tubes.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 21, the dual dispenser, such as dual
dispenser 70 shown in FIG. 6, many include a mixer 310. Mixer can
be placed into spout 82. Mixer 310 is sized to fit into spout 82
having an outside diameter that is slightly larger than the inside
diameter of spout 82 to be frictionally held therein. Further,
mixer 310 is of a height or vertical extant that preferably
contacts the bottom of the inside wall of spout 82 and when it does
so, does not extend beyond the distal end of spout 82. Mixer 310
alters the flow path of the fluids dispensed from the chambers by
creating a tortuous path. This path provides for the mixing of the
two products together from the two chambers or simply affects the
flow from one chamber that leads to a more viscous fluid being
dispensed from the chamber.
[0080] FIG. 22 shows a tube end 410 that can be used with any of
the dual dispensers of the present disclosure. Specifically, once
the products have been filled into the tube, the bottom tube end is
sealed as shown in FIG. 12. Tube end 410 has a sealed end portion
420 that is preferably integral with or formed on an end of the
dual dispenser. Sealed end portion 420 may have an aperture 425 so
that the dual dispenser can be hung upside down. Thus, the dual
dispenser can be hung on a shower head for ease of use. As
discussed above, this feature can be used due to the hinged cap 190
allowing the dual dispenser to be stored with the closure down that
causes the formulation to settle against the dispensing ports for
immediate dispensing or allow the dual dispenser to be hung in the
inverted position. Likewise, FIG. 23 illustrates a tube end 410
with a sealed portion or welded area 440. Welded area 440 includes
a hook portion 445 so that the dual dispenser can be hung upside
down.
[0081] Referring to FIGS. 24 A-B, a vent valve assembly 510 is
shown for each tube of a dual dispenser of the present invention.
The chamber of each tube is preferably vented to allow air to be
drawn into the chamber to replace the dispensed fluid or formula,
yet not allow the fluid in the chamber to be exuded during any
dispensing action, such as, for example, squeezing. The valve
assembly 510 can be a simple one way valve. Such a one way valve
can be a flap valve 520, as shown in FIG. 24B. The flap valve 520
can be placed on each chamber 243, 246 of the dual dispenser.
[0082] FIG. 25 illustrates a further embodiment of the present
invention which includes a closure 620 a dual tube container and an
intermediate component 622. The intermediate component 622 is
adapted to fit between the neck finish 624 of the dual tube
container and the closure. Preferably, the intermediate component
622 includes variable sized openings 626 which modify the
dispensing ports 628 provided on the dual tube container. It may be
desirable to use a commonly available dual tube container which
only includes a single large dispensing port for each container. To
modify the dispensing ports to allow for a variable ratio of
products to be dispensed, the intermediate component 622 having
variable sized openings is aligned with and fixedly mounted to the
dual tube neck finish. A closure 630 may be snap-fitted onto the
intermediate component and adapted to be rotated relative to the
dual tube container to align and misalign openings in the closure
630 with the dispensing ports 626 on the intermediate component
622.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 25, the intermediate component may have a
neck finish 632 and surrounding tapered skirt 634 which is
preferably snap-fitted onto the dual tube container neck finish
624. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26, the intermediate component
may be in the form of a simple disc 640 having projections on a
bottom surface which engage the dispensing ports on the dual tube
container to hold the disc in place. The disc may include a pair of
tapering radial slots 642, one being a mirror image of the other
and being aligned with the dispensing ports 628 of the dual tube
container. The closure fits over the disc and is rotatable relative
thereto to create a variable sized opening for product to be
dispensed. Thus, a desired ratio of products from each container
may be dispensed for use by the consumer. Alternatively, the
tapered radial slots 642 may be formed directly in the discharge
end of the dual tube dispenser 620.
[0084] FIG. 27 schematically illustrates the alignment of the pair
of tapering radial slots 642 with closure dispensing holes 650, 651
shown in various positions relative to the slots 642. The slots 642
may be formed in the end of the dual tube container and the holes
650 may be formed in the closure. Upon rotating the closure
relative to the dual tube container, the aligned radial slots and
axially aligned closure dispenser holes 650, 651 allow for
different ratios of products within the dual tube container to be
dispensed. FIG. 27 illustrates five potential different positions
for closure dispenser holes 650 and 651. As will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art, the closure of FIG. 1 or FIG. 6 may be
used in cooperation with the container including a pair of
dispensing slots 642.
[0085] FIG. 28 schematically illustrates a still further embodiment
in which the half-circle shaped dispensing openings 652 are offset
relative to the neck finish circumference. The offset half-circle
shaped dispensing ports are variably aligned with the axially
aligned closure dispenser holes 652 and 653. The alignment and
misalignment of the closure dispensing holes in the closure such as
that shown in FIG. 1 and dispensing openings 652 by rotation of the
closure relative to the dual tube container allows for an
infinitely variable ratio of products to be dispensed. FIG. 28
shows six potential different positions for closure dispenser holes
652 and 653 including the storage position where both closure
dispenser holes (shown in dotted lines) are misaligned with the
dispensing openings 652, 653 of the tube so that no product can be
dispensed.
[0086] The present invention envisions that the closure of all
embodiments can be made of a polymer that is compatible for
recycling. Moreover, it is envisioned that the closure can be made
of the same polymer as the tubes or chambers of the dual dispenser.
Such a polymer includes, but is not limited to, olefins such as
polypropylene and polyethylene.
[0087] The present variable ratio dual dispensers can be used for a
variety of products. Such products are, preferably, topically
applied, and may be in the form of a viscous liquid lotion or gel.
Such products include, but are not limited to, hair shampoo, hair
gel, body lotion, ointment and sunscreen.
[0088] While the present invention has been described with
reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be
made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without
departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that
the present disclosure not be limited to the particular
embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the present disclosure.
* * * * *