U.S. patent application number 15/237660 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-08 for liquid dosing devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is Rieke Corporation. Invention is credited to Brian Robert Law, David John Pritchett, Jeffrey William Spencer.
Application Number | 20160355304 15/237660 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49877757 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160355304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Law; Brian Robert ; et
al. |
December 8, 2016 |
LIQUID DOSING DEVICES
Abstract
A dosing device for dispensing liquid from a container (1) in
which flow through flow openings (23) to an outlet tube (44) is
blocked after controlled delay by an obturator (3) moveable within
a control chamber (2) mounted in a container neck (101) behind the
outlet tube (44). Movement of the obturator (3) is governed by
restricted flow through control openings (28) at the rear of the
control chamber. Restoration of the obturator to the back of the
control chamber facilitates repeated dosing. An elastomeric element
(6) of resiliently deformable material promotes a seal to achieve a
cleanly defined dose. In one proposal the elastomeric element coats
the surface of the obturator and/or the outlet tube (64) to cut off
the flow. Another proposal provides a one-way elastomeric valve
element (63) for blocking the flow openings to enable rapid
recovery after a dosing operation.
Inventors: |
Law; Brian Robert;
(Leicester, GB) ; Spencer; Jeffrey William;
(Leicester, GB) ; Pritchett; David John; (Ashby de
la Zouch, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rieke Corporation |
Auburn |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49877757 |
Appl. No.: |
15/237660 |
Filed: |
August 16, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14021242 |
Sep 9, 2013 |
9433960 |
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15237660 |
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13036252 |
Feb 28, 2011 |
8528795 |
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14021242 |
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PCT/GB2009/002106 |
Sep 1, 2009 |
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13036252 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05B 11/048 20130101;
G01F 11/263 20130101; B65D 47/2018 20130101; B05B 11/04 20130101;
B65D 47/0838 20130101; G01F 11/04 20130101; G01F 11/082
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 47/20 20060101
B65D047/20; B65D 47/08 20060101 B65D047/08; G01F 11/08 20060101
G01F011/08; B05B 11/04 20060101 B05B011/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 1, 2008 |
GB |
GB 0815881.8 |
Claims
1. A dosing device for dispensing metered doses of liquid from a
resiliently squeezable container, the dosing device comprising: a
component defining a discharge opening, a control chamber and an
obturator movable in the control chamber; the dosing device
defining an outlet passage for liquid from the container leading
past or around the control chamber to the discharge opening; the
control chamber having one or more control openings to admit a
restricted flow of liquid from the container interior into the
control chamber; the obturator being movable in the control chamber
and adapted to advance during dispensing, under the influence of
liquid flowing into the control chamber through the one or more
control openings, to a blocking position where it blocks the outlet
passage to terminate a dose; and wherein the obturator is in the
form of a control piston comprising a central disc and a set of
axially-projecting guide lugs around the edge of the central disc,
said guide lugs projecting axially further on one side of the disc
than on the other side of the disc.
2. The dosing device of claim 1 wherein said outlet passage being
defined by a tubular outlet formation having a surface which the
obturator engages in said blocking position.
3. The dosing device of claim 2 wherein said component includes a
structure which is constructed and arranged for assembly to said
container.
4. The dosing device of claim 3 wherein said structure includes
said discharge opening.
5. The dosing device of claim 1 wherein said component includes a
structure which is constructed and arranged for assembly to said
container.
6. A dosing device for dispensing metered doses of liquid from a
resiliently squeezable container, the dosing device comprising: a
front component defining a front discharge opening, a control
chamber and an obturator movable in the control chamber; the dosing
device defining an outlet passage for liquid from the container
leading past or around the control chamber to the discharge
opening; the control chamber having one or more rear control
openings to admit a restricted flow of liquid from the container
interior into the control chamber, and the obturator being movable
in the control chamber and adapted to advance during dispensing,
under the influence of liquid flowing into the control chamber
through the one or more control openings, forwardly from a rear
position to a blocking position where it blocks the outlet passage
to terminate a dose; wherein the obturator is in the form of a
control piston comprising a central disc and a set of
axially-projecting guide lugs around the edge of the central disc,
said guide lugs projecting axially primarily on one side of the
disc; and the control chamber has a rear wall of which the inner
surface is directed along the control chamber in the direction of
movement of the obturator, a set of said control openings being
distributed around said rear wall, and the obturator lying against
the rear wall in the rear position thereof.
7. The dosing device of claim 6 wherein said outlet passage being
defined by a tubular outlet formation having a surface which the
obturator engages in said blocking position.
8. The dosing device of claim 7 wherein said component includes a
structure which is constructed and arranged for assembly to said
container.
9. The dosing device of claim 8 wherein said structure includes
said discharge opening.
10. The dosing device of claim 6 wherein said component includes a
structure which is constructed and arranged for assembly to said
container.
11. A dosing device for dispensing metered doses of liquid from a
resiliently squeezable container, the dosing device comprising: a
component defining a discharge opening, a control chamber and an
obturator movable in the control chamber; the dosing device
defining an outlet passage for liquid from the container leading
past or around the control chamber to the discharge opening; the
control chamber having one or more control openings to admit a
restricted flow of liquid from the container interior into the
control chamber; the obturator being movable in the control chamber
and adapted to advance during dispensing, under the influence of
liquid flowing into the control chamber through the one or more
control openings, to a blocking position where it blocks the outlet
passage to terminate a dose; and wherein said obturator is in the
form of a flow-control piston including a flow-blocking panel, a
first protruding portion extending in a first direction away from
said flow-blocking panel and a second protruding portion extending
in a second direction away from said flow-blocking panel, wherein
said first direction is opposite to said second direction and said
first projecting portion is axially longer than said second
projecting portion.
12. The dosing device of claim 11 wherein said outlet passage being
defined by a tubular outlet formation having a surface which the
obturator engages in said blocking position.
13. The dosing device of claim 12 wherein said component includes a
structure which is constructed and arranged for assembly to said
container.
14. The dosing device of claim 13 wherein said structure includes
said discharge opening.
15. The dosing device of claim 11 wherein said component includes a
structure which is constructed and arranged for assembly to said
container.
16. A dosing device for dispensing metered doses of liquid from a
resiliently squeezable container, the dosing device comprising: a
component defining a discharge opening, a control chamber and an
obturator movable in the control chamber; the dosing device
including an outlet tube having a lower edge and defining a passage
for liquid from the container which has entered the control chamber
to flow through to the discharge opening; the control chamber
including an opening to admit a flow of liquid from the container
interior into the control chamber, said opening having a lower edge
axially above the lower edge of said outlet tube; and the obturator
being movable in the control chamber and adapted to advance during
dispensing, under the influence of liquid flowing into the control
chamber through said opening, to a blocking position where it
blocks the outlet passage to terminate a dose.
17. The dosing device of claim 16 wherein said obturator engages
the lower edge of said outlet tube in said blocking position.
18. The dosing device of claim 17 wherein said component includes a
structure which is constructed and arranged for assembly to said
container.
19. The dosing device of claim 18 wherein said structure includes
said discharge opening.
20. The dosing device of claim 16 wherein said component includes a
structure which is constructed and arranged for assembly to said
container.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/021,242 filed Sep. 9, 2013, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/036,252
filed Feb. 28, 2011, which is a continuation of International
Application PCT/GB2009/002106, filed Sep. 1, 2009, which claims the
benefit of Great Britain Application No. 0815881.8, filed Sep. 1,
2008, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention has to do with devices adapted for dispensing
metered doses of liquid from a container, and containers
incorporating such devices, and methods of using them. In preferred
embodiments the devices are used in, or adapted for use in,
squeezable containers, especially resiliently-shape-recovering
squeezable containers. A preferred field of use is that of
containers for domestic or household use, containing detergents or
other cleaning preparations, fabric conditioners, or liquid foods
such as sauces.
[0003] Particularly, the invention is concerned with liquid dosing
devices of a known kind (referred to below as "the kind described")
having an outlet passage leading to a front discharge opening, past
or around a control chamber positioned behind the front discharge
opening and having one or more rear control openings to admit a
restricted flow of liquid from the container interior into the
control chamber. An obturator such as a sliding piston is movable
in the control chamber and adapted to advance, during dispensing,
under the influence of liquid flowing into the control chamber
behind it through the control opening(s). When the obturator has
advanced sufficiently it blocks the outlet passage to terminate the
dose. Usually the outlet path of the liquid leads from the
container interior forwardly past outside the control chamber and
then radially inwardly, around (or through) the front peripheral
part of the control chamber wall, to in front of the obturator and
to the discharge opening. This front part of the chamber wall may
have one or more circumferentially-distributed flow openings for
this purpose. The discharge opening is typically axial or central
at the front of the device. The part of the passage leading
immediately to it is desirably defined by a tubular extension,
projecting rearwardly towards the obturator and providing a seat
against which the front of the obturator rests to block the
passage.
[0004] See for example EP-A-0274256 describing how the outside of
the tubular extension can also serve to guide the liquid flow
rearwardly towards the obturator piston to control its rate of
advance.
[0005] Devices of the kind described have an advantage, compared
with dispensers using a metering chamber adjacent the container
mouth, in that the volume dispensed is not swept out or held in the
dosing device itself. It is possible to achieve a large dose
without a large device.
[0006] However there are issues with speed and convenience.
Obturators may be slow to recover position, and the dispenser needs
to be returned to an upright position to create a new dose or
restart the mechanism.
[0007] WO2005/049477 which was published Jun. 2, 2005, has two
proposals addressing such issues. This published PCT application is
hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure.
[0008] One proposal provides a dump valve arrangement at the back
of the control chamber. Such a dump valve--also discussed in one
version in EP-A-0274256--is operable to close during
dispensing--under gravity and/or forward fluid pressure--so that
liquid enters the control chamber only through the control
opening(s). The dump valve opens after dispensing--under gravity
and/or reverse fluid pressure--so that liquid can escape from the
control chamber more rapidly than if the only escape route were
through the control opening(s).
[0009] The second proposal of WO2005/049477, implemented with a
resiliently squeezable container, provides a unidirectional valve
inhibiting reverse flow in the outlet passage upstream of the
obturator's blocking position. On recovery of shape of the
container after squeezing out a dose, the movable element of the
valve--disclosed as a free annulus or a radial flap--is urged onto
its seat by the reverse fluid pressure and prevents liquid from
returning to the container interior by way of the outlet passage.
Instead it flows back into the container from the control chamber
space behind the obturator i.e. through the control opening(s),
and/or dump valve opening if present. This speeds return of the
obturator to its retracted position so that another dose can be
dispensed, and desirably can clear the control chamber and
re-initiate the obturator even while the container is inverted
(typically, with the front of the dosing device and the discharge
opening facing down). Repeated doses can then be dispensed without
needing to right the container between doses. The forced retraction
of the obturator also draws liquid back out of the discharge
opening area (nozzle tube), reducing dripping after dispensing.
[0010] We have found that these previous proposals still leave
something to be desired in dispensing performance in respect of
clean termination of the dose, and in respect of repeated dosing
while inverted. The present proposals address these issues
independently and in combination, as well as (in preferred
embodiments) providing convenient manufacturing solutions for the
components concerned.
[0011] A first aspect of the present proposals relates to the
blocking of flow by the obturator. In a device of the kind
described, a surface of the device defining a part of the outlet
passage in front of the obturator presents a rearwardly-directed
seat, surrounding the outlet passage and engageable by a blocking
portion at the front of the obturator in its advanced position,
around an annular engagement region, so as to block the outlet
passage as mentioned previously. The proposal is that one or both
of the surfaces of the obturator and seat comprises a resiliently
deformable sealing material, preferably elastomer material, at
least around the respective annular engagement region thereof.
[0012] By this means we find that we can achieve a marked
improvement in dosing performance, so that at the end of a dose,
the flow through the discharge opening is cut off suddenly and
completely with little or no subsequent dripping.
[0013] The seat against which the obturator seals is preferably the
annular periphery of a rearwardly-extending tubular formation,
typically a cylindrical formation. The corresponding blocking
portion of the obturator may be a substantially flat surface, e.g.
a substantially flat piston front face. This minimises the contact
area and maximises the perpendicularity of the contact surface to
the contact movement, reducing wedging and sticking. Desirably the
obturator and tubular outlet formation are of relatively rigid
plastics material, a the resiliently deformable (elastomeric)
material for the seal being provided as a surface covering on one
or both of these. We particularly prefer an elastomeric element
forming an annulus around the rear edge of a tubular outlet
formation, connected by some suitable means (or coated) onto the
underlying plastics material of the tubular formation. Desirably
the elastomeric element is or includes an annular part with a
forwardly-directed annular recess or channel fitting onto the
rearwardly-directed annular periphery of the tubular outlet
formation.
[0014] The resiliently deformable component may be attached to the
tubular outlet formation by any suitable means, e.g. interference
fit, adhesive, interlock formation or integral moulding such as
"two shot" moulding, perhaps with form interlock.
[0015] In one preferred embodiment a sleeve of elastomeric covering
extends forwardly from the sealing seat, around the tubular outlet
formation, to where this formation meets the radially-extending
front web of a container closure in which the device is comprised,
and the elastomeric member there desirably extends out radially
from the sleeve across this web. This radial extension portion may
optionally be trapped by engagement by other members of the device,
or between the container neck and part of the device, for
additional security.
[0016] A second aspect of the proposals disclosed herein relates to
the feature of a unidirectional anti-reverse valve in the outlet
passage, an idea disclosed as such in WO2005/049477. FIGS. 11 and
12 of WO2005/049477 show a radially-inwardly projecting annular
valve flap mounted by an integral collar fitted around the front
edge of the cylindrical control chamber. To provide adequate
mounting stiffness the material used was polyethylene. The intended
anti-reverse function was readily provided. However, it was learned
that dosing was both difficult and erratic. It has now been learned
that this problem was due to the disposition and material of the
valve flap. It was also learned that there existed a problem of
dripping or trickling before a first dose and between repeated
doses when the container was inverted, so that repeated dosing
while inverted was not of satisfactory quality.
[0017] In the present second aspect there is provided a
unidirectional valve of this type which is resiliently biased
against the corresponding seat portion(s), i.e. towards the closed
condition. Desirably, this is by means of the valve comprising a
member, e.g. flap member of elastomeric material, such as a rubber
or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The elastomeric valve element is
desirably shaped and dimensioned relative to the surrounding
structure of the device so that it is deformed (e.g. flexed or
compressed) relative to its free shape when assembled into the
device, so that the sealing element e.g. flap thereof is biased or
pre-loaded against its counter-surface in the assembled device.
[0018] Thus in some embodiments the dosing device comprises an
anti-reverse valve to prevent reverse flow in the outlet passage,
the valve being adjacent a front periphery of the control chamber
and comprising a valve member resiliently biased towards a closed
position against a corresponding opposed sealing region.
[0019] In these and other embodiments the dosing device may
comprise an anti-reverse valve in the outlet passage adjacent a
front periphery of the control chamber, the anti-reverse valve
comprising a flap which is biased radially outwardly against the
inside of the component defining the control chamber, as a seat for
the flap.
[0020] An annular sealing element or flap of the valve may diverge
radially outwards, e.g. in a conical form, in the rearward
direction towards its sealing edge, and/or may engage an opposed
sealing region which is on the inside of an annular
counter-surface, e.g. the structure at the front periphery of the
control chamber, which diverges radially outwards or is outwardly
flared in the forward direction.
[0021] In these and other embodiments the dosing device may
comprise an anti-reverse valve in the outlet passage adjacent a
front periphery of the control chamber, the anti-reverse valve
comprising an elastomeric element for resiliently urging the valve
to a closed position against a corresponding opposed sealing region
of the device.
[0022] The advantage of this is as follows. As in the proposal of
WO2005/049477 above, it prevents reverse flow along the outlet
passage when the container recovers its volume after dispensing a
dose. This speeds retraction of the obturator. Additionally,
however, the resilient bias of the valve's sealing element to its
closed condition effectively resists pressure from the body of
liquid in the container when the container is inverted, enabling
cleaner and better-defined repeat dosing while inverted.
[0023] Dimensions, material and initial bias deformation of the
sealing element may be selected so that it will open the outer
passage only when a predetermined threshold pressure, corresponding
for example to a typical static pressure head associated with a
container full of the intended liquid product in the inverted
container, is exceeded e.g. by a pressure corresponding to a
typical vigorous manual squeeze of the inverted container. Moreover
by this simple expedient the valve element takes on the additional
function of preventing unwanted preliminary dripping or trickling
from the container if there is a delay between inverting it and
squeezing it.
[0024] As with the first aspect, therefore, the second aspect
contributes to achieving a cleanly-defined dose and it is desirable
to combine the two aspects of the proposals.
[0025] Moreover, since each of the two aspects is preferably
embodied using an elastomeric element--a static seal element and a
valve flap element respectively--a particularly preferred
embodiment of our proposal combines these into a single elastomeric
element. It may comprise a central annulus forming the seal on the
rear edge of a tubular outlet formation and, radially spaced
outwardly therefrom, an integral flap formation (e.g. a continuous
annulus, or segment(s) corresponding to one or more
circumferentially-localised flow openings) which spans the
corresponding portion of the outlet passage.
[0026] Desirably the valve operates adjacent (at, adjacent or
through) a front periphery of the control chamber and has a sealing
edge engageable with a component bounding the outer passage at that
point so that in its rest condition it blocks the outer passage at
that position.
[0027] There may be plural flow openings, e.g. circumferentially
distributed between formations which support the control chamber
component. These may be controlled by respective portions or
segments of the mentioned valve member, or more conveniently by a
continuous annular valve flap since this need not be rotationally
aligned during assembly.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment the valve flap projects generally
rearwardly, and is biased radially outwardly against a
corresponding opposed sealing region, e.g. on the inside of a
component which defines a control chamber and also has supporting
structure extending forwardly and/or radially outwardly to mount
the control chamber in the container neck, with one or more flow
openings at the front of this structure.
[0029] The elastomeric element may therefore conveniently comprise
a front layer or web with a central rearward sleeve carrying the
seal and, spaced radially outwardly from it, one or more
rearwardly-projecting sealing skirts constituting the valve
flap(s). Such a valve flap may be outwardly radially divergent at
least in its free condition. Optionally also a further radially
outwardly extending portion of the front web or layer is provided,
to be trapped between components of the container closure to hold
the elastomeric element securely in position.
[0030] By these means, a device otherwise corresponding
substantially to the known devices can readily be adapted to
significantly improve its dosing performance, reducing dripping or
leakage both before and after each dose and/or enabling repeated
dosing in the inverted condition if desired.
[0031] In other respects, the general conformation of the closure
elements (e.g. control chamber, obturator, cap, container) may be
as described in the earlier applications acknowledged previously.
The device may be provided on a neck at the top of an invertible
container. The discharge opening may be directed upwardly, e.g.
vertically upwardly, when the container stands upright on its base.
The movement direction of the obturator is desirably generally
coaxial with the neck, and desirably generally coaxial with the
external discharge opening.
[0032] In a preferred version, as mentioned above, the outlet
passage begins with substantially the entire space surrounding the
control chamber--e.g. through a clearance between this chamber
(which is typically cylindrical) and a wider container neck in
which it is mounted, preferably coaxially--and leads through or
around the front edge of the control chamber via one or more
circumferentially-distributed openings so as to provide a suitable
cross-section of flow, and then inwardly to a central discharge
outlet this outlet having said rearwardly-extending tube
formation.
[0033] In preferred constructions the control chamber and its
connection structure are a single moulded unit, connecting to a
front cap component of the device which also comprises integrally
(or mounts) the discharge outlet formation, and includes means such
as a screw thread or snap ribs for securing it onto/into a
container neck opening, with the control chamber projecting back
inside the container neck with lateral or radial clearance for the
outflow of product past it. Desirably an outer cover cap for the
discharge opening is included. The cover cap may include a plug
closure for the discharge opening. The cover cap may be integrally
hinged to the mentioned front cap component. It will be understood
that the main web of the front cap component may provide the rear
surface against which the radial web of the preferred elastomeric
component may lie.
[0034] The form of the obturator is not particularly limited, and
all of the general and specific options proposed in EP-A-0 274 256
and WO 2005/049477 are available.
[0035] The squeezable container may be of any (e.g. well-known)
type, shape and material.
[0036] The components of the dosing closure device are typically
moulded plastics components, joining by snap, press or screw
engagements without requiring discrete fasteners. The device is
suitable for implementation in mass-produced containers, e.g. for
household products or food products. In this respect, TPE is
desirable for use as the elastomeric components because many TPEs
have high compatibility with household or indeed food use.
[0037] The control chamber may or may not be provided with a dump
valve of the type described in our above-mentioned earlier
applications for further facilitating emptying of the chamber after
dosing.
[0038] Examples of the present proposals are now described with
reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0039] A dosing device for dispensing liquid from a container in
which flow through flow openings to an outlet tube is blocked after
controlled delay by an obturator moveable within a control chamber
mounted in a container neck behind the outlet tube. Movement of the
obturator is governed by restricted flow through control openings
at the rear of the control chamber. Restoration of the obturator to
the back of the control chamber facilitates repeated dosing. An
elastomeric element of resiliently deformable material promotes a
seal to achieve a cleanly defined dose. In one proposal the
elastomeric element coats the surface of the obturator and/or the
outlet tube to cut off the flow. Another proposal provides a
one-way elastomeric valve element for blocking the flow openings to
enable rapid recovery after a dosing operation.
[0040] One object of the present disclosure is to describe an
improved dosing device for dispensing liquid from a container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is an elevation of the upper part of a squeezable
container, showing the external appearance of a dosing device of
the present type.
[0042] FIG. 2 is an axial section showing the dosing device in an
inverted position.
[0043] FIG. 3 is an axial cross-sectional detail of the FIG. 2
device, showing operating portions of an elastomeric insert.
[0044] FIG. 4 is an axial section showing a variant construction of
the elastomeric insert.
[0045] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a further variant (third
embodiment) showing a different form of the elastomeric insert.
[0046] FIG. 6 is an axial section of the third embodiment assembled
upright.
[0047] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment with an
elastomeric insert having radial flexible legs and a variant
construction of the control cylinder component.
[0048] FIG. 8 is an axial section of the fourth embodiment with the
container inverted for dispensing, showing the position of the
elastomeric insert during dispensing.
[0049] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a fifth embodiment, with the
same variant control cylinder construction as the fourth embodiment
in a different form of elastomeric insert with axially-extending
flexible legs.
[0050] FIG. 10 is an axial section of the fifth embodiment with the
container inverted for dispensing, showing the position of the
elastomeric insert as during dispensing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments
illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to
describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no
limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such
alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and
its use, and such further applications of the principles of the
disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would
normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure
relates.
[0052] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a dosing dispenser device 1
fits on the neck of a plastic squeezable container 10. The dosing
device 1 has a front cap component 4, being a one-piece moulding
providing a front plate 42, a central outlet tube formation 44 with
a forwardly projecting nozzle 441 and an outer securing skirt 41
with an internal thread 411 by means of which it fixes onto the
container neck 101. An outer cover cap 45 is also provided, joining
integrally to the rest of the cap component 4 through an integral
butterfly hinge 46 so that the cap 45 is bistable in position, i.e.
it tends either to be in fully shut or fully open position as
shown. The underside of the cap 45 has an integral nozzle plug 451
which locks the outer nozzle 441 when the cap is shut.
[0053] The second major component of the device is a control
chamber or insert cylinder component 2. This is moulded from rigid
plastics and consists essentially of a closed cylindrical side wall
25 defining an internal control chamber 29, and having around its
front edge a connection structure in the form of an integral
forward extension 21. The connection structure 21 comprises a
continuous outer annulus 211 which plugs into the container neck
101 and has an outward end flange 212 which is trapped between the
edge of the container neck and the underside of the cap web 42.
Inwardly of this, the front edge of the chamber wall 25 has an
outwardly flared portion 213 (seen best in FIG. 3) which in some
circumferential regions connects through to the base of the
locating ring 211, as seen in the portions indicated in FIG. 4,
described later), and at other circumferential regions stops short
of the front so that a flow opening 23 is defined. Here there are
three equidistant flow openings 23 but this is not critical.
[0054] Behind the front plate 42 of the cap 4 the central outlet
tube 44 projects rearwardly into the open front end of the control
chamber 2. An obturator or control piston 3 is enclosed in the
control chamber 29, and has a flat central disc 31 with a set of
axially-projecting integrally-formed peripheral guide lugs 32
around its edge. The control piston 3 fits substantially--i.e.
occupying nearly all the cross-section without being a tight
fit--into the control chamber 29 so as to be freely slidable in it,
between a forward position in which its central web surface 31 lies
against and blocks the rear entrance to the outlet tube 44 (as seen
in FIG. 2) and a rear position in which it lies against the rear
wall 26 of the control chamber 2 (as seen in FIG. 4).
[0055] The described cap and control chamber may be of
polypropylene, and the piston of polyethylene, but other materials
may be used.
[0056] Thus, the outlet passage for liquid in the container exists
from the container's interior space 11 and forwardly through the
radial clearance between the control chamber 2 and the container
neck 101, forward and in through the flow openings 23 to the space
between the cap 4 and the control chamber 2 (and in front of the
control piston 3), and finally inwardly through the rear entrance
of the outlet tube 44 and out though the discharge nozzle 441.
[0057] As described in the earlier applications, the rear wall 26
of the control chamber 2 has a set of small control openings
28.
[0058] Additionally, the dispensing closure comprises a one-piece
integral valve and sealing insert 6, shown in one embodiment in
FIGS. 2 and 3 and in a slightly variant embodiment in FIG. 4. It
may be made of any suitable elastomer for the use in hand, but a
polypropylene-based TPE is one suitable material. In the
illustrated embodiment, the elastomeric insert comprises a flat
base web 61, with a rearward central sleeve 62 extending to an
in-turned seal channel portion 64. The sleeve 62 fits closely
around the polypropylene outlet tube 44 of the cap. The outlet tube
has a rearward edge with reduced thickness 442, and the end of the
elastomeric sleeve has a channel which fits over this so that the
overall thickness is maintained, with a flush inner diameter. The
rearward surface 641 of the elastomer channel constitutes an
elastomeric sealing surface against which the web 31 of the piston
3 seals in use.
[0059] The rearwardly-projecting sealing lip portion 63 of the
elastomeric insert 6 is provided as a continuous annular formation
(i.e. extending around the flow openings and also the supporting
structures, for simplicity), and projects rearwardly to engage with
resilient bias against the internal surface of the flared
supporting regions 213 adjacent the flow openings 23.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows a variant in which the flat base web 61 of the
elastomeric insert continues radially outwardly beyond the root of
the sealing lip 63. This outer radial extension 615 is trapped,
together with the support structure 21 of the control chamber 2,
against the cap web 42 by the threading of the closure onto the
container neck. This helps to keep the elastomer component 6 in
position and may obviate the use of adhesives in assembly.
[0061] In use, the general dosing action is as described above and
in WO2005/049477, and need not be repeated here. It will be noted
that, while the valve flap 63 is differently disposed and oriented
compared with the valve elements disclosed in the earlier
application, its ability to prevent reverse flow is similar.
However it has the additional property, by virtue of its biased
resilient seal, of preventing premature dripping from the device
after inversion of the container, before a dose is squeezed out. It
has sufficient strength and resilience to withstand the head of
liquid in the inverted container, and yields to provide the
dispensing action only when the container is squeezed. Moreover,
unlike the free valve elements described in the earlier
application, it maintains its sealed condition in all orientations
and avoids undesirable dripping or leakage in other situations
too.
[0062] Additionally, the improved sealing engagement between the
elastomeric surface 641 of the outlet tube and the front face of
the piston web 31 gives an improved cut-off of flow at the end of
each dispenser action.
[0063] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a third embodiment in which the control
chamber 2, control piston 3 and cover cap 4 are the same as in the
first two embodiments. Here however the elastomeric valve insert
106 provides the anti-reverse and non-drip functions, but does not
provide the elastomeric seat for the control piston. Thus, the
elastomeric insert 106 has the front base web 161 with a simple
central hole to fit around the outlet tube 44 of the front cap,
extending out to the trapped outer flange 1615 as before, and
projecting rearwardly with the outwardly-flaring annular sealing
lip 163. As in the previous embodiments, the sealing lip 163 seals
outwardly against the inwardly-directed surface of the forwardly
outwardly-flaring mounting structure 213 of the control cylinder 2,
which also defines the flow openings 23 (see FIG. 5). Also as in
the previous embodiments the sealing lip 163 is pre-loaded or bias
against the counter-surface. That is, the elastomeric insert 106 in
the free as-molded form has the sealing lip 163 flaring out more
widely and then seen in FIG. 6. On assembly the sealing lip or flap
163 is put forward into the rearwardly convergent (forwardly
divergent) front structure of the control cylinder and deformed
inwards, pre-loading it against the seat. This enables the seal to
withstand a head of pressure from liquid in a container when the
container is upside down, preventing or reducing dripping before
the container is squeezed. The skilled person would appreciate that
the thickness and a degree of preload of the elastomeric insert 106
can readily be `tuned` to prevent dripping to the desired degree in
a container of a given size, while readily allowing flow when the
container is squeezed. It will also be noted that in these designs,
unlike those in WO2005/049477, a moderate movement of the flap 163
away from its seat is sufficient to open up a substantially opening
area for outflow, relative to the area of the flow openings 23.
[0064] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a fourth embodiment. Here the container
10 and control piston 3 are the same as in previous embodiments,
but the control cylinder 102, front cap 104 and sealing insert 206
are slightly different. Firstly, the control cylinder defines the
flow openings 123 through an axially-directed wall or face 124
diverting perpendicularly out from the cylindrical wall of the
chamber 102, and meeting the outer mounting annulus 121
perpendicularly. To seal these axially-facing flow openings 123, an
axially-operating valve member is needed. In this embodiment it is
provided by annular valve insert 206, made from elastomer in one
piece as in the previous embodiments. In this embodiment the
sealing element or flap 263 is a flat annulus, connected to a
central mounting sleeve 262 by a set of integral spokes or legs in
the manner of a wheel. The front plate of the cover cap has a
rearwardly-projecting skirt 140 concentric with and close to the
outlet tube 44, defining a circular notch in to which the mounting
tube 262 of the elastomeric sealing insert 206 is plugged to hold
it into position.
[0065] FIG. 8 shows the container inverted for dispensing. The
figure shows the sealing flap 263 of the seal insert displaced
forwardly away from the flow openings 123, as by the pressure of
liquid being squeezed through from the container behind, with
concomitant flexing of the legs or spokes 264. When squeezing
pressure is released, the elastic for storing force of the legs 264
is sufficient to return the flap 263 to seal against the flow
openings 123 and reduce or prevent dripping. Again, this can be
readily achieved by tuning the thickness and material of the legs,
and adjusting a pre-load of bias of the valve flap which is
determined by the relative axial heights of the flap 263 and
mounting sleeve 262 in the free form of the valve insert.
[0066] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a fifth embodiment. The control chamber
102 takes the same variant form as in the fourth embodiment, with
axially-facing flow openings 123. Here, the elastomeric valve
insert 306 has a flat annular sealing flap 363 similar in form to
the sealing flap 263 in the wheel-form valve insert 206 of the
previous embodiment. In this embodiment the valve insert acts
against the front of the cover cap as a reaction point, as in the
first three embodiments. To provide a resilient restoring action
for the axially-acting flap 363, this is done by means of a
mounting ring 362 which rests against the inside of the cover cap
(see FIG. 10), and a set of axially-extending--but slightly sloping
or oblique--support legs 364. In the free as-moulded condition of
the valve insert 306, the axial height of the insert is slightly
greater than the distance between the front of the flow openings
123 and the back of the cover cap in the assembled condition, so
that the valve flap 363 is pre-loaded against the openings to
prevent dripping with the container inverted but not squeezed.
Tuning of this effect can be readily achieved by adjusting the
number, thickness and form of the support legs 364. FIG. 10 shows
the elastomeric insert in the deformed condition as during
dispensing with the container squeezed, i.e. with the annular flap
364 pushed forward away from the flow openings 123 by the pressure
of liquid from the container.
[0067] The skilled person will appreciate that there are various
other methods for providing an effectively resilient valve insert
to control flow openings adjacent the front of a control chamber of
the type described, taking into account the position and
orientation of the flow openings. The particular forms of mounting
structure for the moving element of the valve shown above, formed
in one piece with the valve insert, are merely exemplary.
[0068] It will be understood that, as in previous embodiments,
these valves immediately respond to any reverse flow pressure to
completely block the flow openings 123 so that any reverse flow
must part through the control chamber.
[0069] All the embodiments herein show a control chamber with a
fixed back wall, it should be understood that any of the
anti-reverse valve concepts and embodiments disclosed herein may be
embodied alternatively in combination with a dump valve at the rear
end of the control chamber, for example a valve with a moving body
such as the pull valve seen in FIGS. 1 to 6 of WO2005/049477.
[0070] As a result, we find that the illustrated dispensers enable
ready dispensing of two, three, four or more successive metered
doses without the container needing to be righted from the inverted
position.
[0071] We prefer that the device is adapted to give a dose size of
between 10 and 50 ml, but this will vary from one product to
another, and of course will to some extent depend on the viscosity
of the product as well as on the selection of components in the
dispenser.
[0072] The aspects of the invention include the liquid dosing
device itself, a closure assembly comprising such a device, a
container such as a squeezable container with such a closure
assembly fitted onto it, and a dispensing package comprising such a
squeezable container, liquid product therein, and the liquid dosing
dispenser/closure fitted to it. Further aspects are corresponding
methods of dispensing liquid, especially with repeated dosing in
the inverted position as described.
[0073] The skilled reader will appreciate that the invention is not
necessarily limited to the features of the described embodiments
and other embodiments may be made and used on the basis of the
general teachings herein.
[0074] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described in the drawings and foregoing
description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not
restrictive in character, it being understood that all changes and
modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are
desired to be protected.
* * * * *