U.S. patent number 3,581,940 [Application Number 04/774,803] was granted by the patent office on 1971-06-01 for multiple compartment dispenser container with check valves.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Alberto-Culver Company. Invention is credited to John A. Cella.
United States Patent |
3,581,940 |
Cella |
June 1, 1971 |
MULTIPLE COMPARTMENT DISPENSER CONTAINER WITH CHECK VALVES
Abstract
The invention relates to a dispenser container for separate
storage and proportioned mixed dispensing of two interacting fluid
components. The combination comprises a tubular container of
flexible material (plastic or plastic laminate preferred) having
central wall means providing two collapsible longitudinally
extending compartments. The container is constructed and arranged
so as to produce substantially equal internal pressures in both
compartments whenever it is grasped by a hand. The outer walls of
the container compartments are simultaneously and equally collapsed
toward a central plane, thereby correspondingly reducing the volume
of both compartments and creating equal internal pressures therein.
The container tapers from the outlet end toward the closure end
which is preferably sealed along a transverse line lying
substantially in the longitudinal plane toward which the outer
walls collapse. Preferably the compartments have approximate cross
sections of half ellipses with the inner wall means generally
coinciding with the major axes and the minor axes progressively
shortening from the outlet end to the closure end. Separate ports
are provided for each compartment at the outlet end of the
container and outlet check valves control the outflow through these
ports. A dispenser cap is received over the outlet end of the
container enclosing the ports and valve means. The cap provides an
intermixing passage communicating with both the port means at its
inner end when the valves are open and its outer end with a
dispensing outlet; and; intermediately, means are preferably
provided for promoting through intermixing of the two fluids being
dispensed.
Inventors: |
Cella; John A. (Lake Forest,
IL) |
Assignee: |
Alberto-Culver Company (Melrose
Park, IL)
|
Family
ID: |
25102350 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/774,803 |
Filed: |
November 12, 1968 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
81/3283 (20130101); B05B 11/047 (20130101); B65D
35/22 (20130101); B65D 47/2075 (20130101); B05B
11/0078 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B05B
11/04 (20060101); B05B 11/00 (20060101); B65D
35/22 (20060101); B65D 47/04 (20060101); B65D
35/00 (20060101); B65D 47/20 (20060101); B65D
81/32 (20060101); B65d 035/22 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/94,103,136,145,213,494,402.11,546 ;137/512.5,605--607
;251/350,354 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reeves; Robert B.
Assistant Examiner: Stack, Jr.; Norman L.
Claims
I claim:
1. A dispenser container, comprising in combination:
a. container means formed of plastic material and providing two
substantially separate tubes of equal size each having an arcuate
flexible outer wall and a generally flat central wall enclosing a
longitudinally extending compartment,
said tubes being arranged side-by-side with said inner walls in
adjacent facing relation and said outer walls oppositely
disposed,
said tubes being dimensioned to be manually grasped for
simultaneously and substantially uniformly collapsing the said
outer walls of said tubes toward said inner walls to reduce the
volume of said compartments,
said tubes having adjacent outlet ends and adjacent closure ends
and tapering from said outlet ends toward said closure ends so that
said compartments progressively reduce in cross section toward said
closure ends,
said outer and inner walls being brought together and united at
said closure ends, rib means connecting said inner walls along the
longitudinal centerline of said tubular container means but
terminating at a spaced distance from said closure ends,
said outlet end providing outlet port means separately
communicating with said compartments;
b. outlet check valve means associated with each of said port means
biased to close said parts when said container means is under
ordinary atmospheric pressure while permitting said ports to open
when said container means is manually collapsed; and
c. dispenser cap mean received on the outlet end of said container
means enclosing said port means and said valve means,
said cap means providing common passage means communicating at its
inner end with both of said port means when opened by said valve
means and at its outer end with a dispensing outlet.
2. The dispenser container of claim 1 wherein said compartments
have approximate cross sections of half ellipses with said inner
walls generally coinciding with the major axes thereof, and the
minor axes of said half-ellipsoidal compartments progressively
shortening from said outlet end to said closure ends, and wherein
said container means is formed of a thermoplastic material, said
closure ends being heat-fused together along a transverse line
lying in the longitudinal plane toward which said outer wall
collapses.
3. A two-compartment tubular container formed of plastic material
and providing two substantially separate tubes of equal size each
having an arcuate flexible outer wall and a generally flat central
wall enclosing a longitudinally extending compartment, said tubes
being arranged side-by-side with said inner walls in adjacent
facing relation and said outer walls oppositely disposed, said
tubes being dimensioned to be manually grasped for simultaneously
and substantially uniformly collapsing the said outer walls of said
tubes toward said inner walls to reduce the volume of said
compartments, said tubes having adjacent outlet ends, and adjacent
closure ends and tapering from said outlet ends toward said closure
ends so that said compartments progressively reduce in cross
section toward closure ends, said outer and inner walls being
brought together and united at said closure ends, rib means
connecting said inner walls along the longitudinal centerline of
said tubular container but terminating at a spaced distance from
the said closure ends, and said outlet end providing outlet port
means separately communicating with said compartments.
4. The container of claim 3 wherein said compartments have
approximate cross sections of half ellipses and the minor axes of
said half-ellipsoidal compartments progressively shortening from
said outlet end to said closure ends, and wherein said container is
formed of a thermoplastic material, said closure ends being
heat-fused together along a transverse line lying in a longitudinal
plane toward which said outer wall collapses.
5. A dispenser container comprising in combination:
a. tubular container means formed of flexible plastic material
providing opposite outer walls and central wall means dividing said
container means into two collapsible longitudinally extending
compartments,
said container means having an outlet end and a closure end,
said outlet end providing outlet port means separately
communicating with said compartments,
said container means being dimensioned to be grasped by one hand
for simultaneously collapsing the said outer walls of said
container means toward said central wall means,
said central wall means comprising two wall members each separately
providing an inner wall for one of said compartments,
said outer walls and inner walls being brought together and united
at said closure end along a transverse line lying approximately in
said longitudinal plane toward which said outer walls collapse,
said outer walls and said inner walls being integrally formed, and
integral rib means connecting said inner walls along the
longitudinal centerline of said tubular container means, said rib
means terminating at a spaced distance from the said transverse
union line of said closure end;
b. outlet check valve means associated with each of said port means
effective to close said ports when said container means is under
ordinary atmospheric pressure while permitting said ports to open
when said container means is collapsed by the grasp of a hand;
and
c. dispenser cap means received on the outlet end of said container
means enclosing said port means and said valve means,
said cap means providing intermixing passage means communicating at
its inner end with both of said port means when said valve means
are open and at its outer end with a dispensing outlet.
6. A dispenser container, comprising in combination:
a. container means formed of plastic material and providing two
substantially separate tubes of equal size each having an arcuate
flexible outer wall and a generally flat inner wall enclosing a
longitudinally extending compartment,
said tubes being arranged side-by-side with said inner walls in
adjacent facing relation and said outer walls oppositely
disposed,
said inner walls being laterally spaced apart and having their
central portions integrally connected by rib means extending along
the longitudinal centerline of said container means,
said tubes being dimensioned to be manually grasped for
simultaneously and substantially uniformly collapsing the said
outer walls of said tubes toward said inner walls to reduce the
volume of said compartments,
said tubes having adjacent outlet ends and adjacent closure ends
and tapering from said outlet ends toward closure ends so that said
compartments progressively reduce in cross section toward said
closure ends,
said outer and inner walls being brought together and heat-fused at
said closure ends along a transverse line running generally
parallel to the planes of said inner walls,
said outlet end providing outlet port means separately
communicating with said compartments;
b. outlet check valve means associated with each of said port means
biased to close said parts when said container means is under
ordinary atmospheric pressure while permitting said ports to open
when said container means is manually collapsed; and
c. dispenser cap means received on the outlet end of said container
means enclosing said port means and said valve means,
said cap means providing common passage means communicating at its
inner end with both of said port means when opened by said valve
means and at its outer end with a dispensing outlet.
7. The dispenser container of claim 6 wherein said compartments
have approximate cross sections of half ellipses with said inner
walls being generally parallel to the major axes thereof, and the
minor axes of said half-ellipsoidal compartments progressively
shortening from said outlet end to said closure ends, and wherein
said container means is integrally formed of a thermoplastic
material.
Description
BACKGROUND
In the packaging of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products, there are
products which comprise two interacting fluid components, which
must be packaged separately, and then mixed by the user to prepare
the preparation for application. For example, hair color
preparations include a leuco-dye in one solution and the oxidant in
the other solution or fluid mixture. These fluid components are
packaged in separate containers. While these containers can be
sized so that normally the entire contents of both containers are
used for a single dyeing of the hair, it is necessary for such
preparations to be tested on the skin of the user for allergic
reaction prior to actual use. In making such a "patch" test, it is
therefore necessary to break the seal on both containers, mix a
small quantity of the fluids, and apply the mixture to the skin.
Also, it has been desired to package dual component hair color
preparations in larger size containers, which can then be used for
several successive dyeing applications.
In the packaging and dispensing of two interacting fluid
components, a number of design problems have been encountered.
Partial dispensing of the fluids should be achieved while
positively preventing backflow and interacting of the components
within the storage compartments, and at the same time providing for
uniformly mixed outflow of the components during a dispensing
operation. Moreover, a simple method of manually dispensing the
components is desirable, and the method should be capable of
providing a substantially uniform proportioning and intermixing of
the components as they are dispensed by an ordinary user. Other
important requirements are that the containers should be relatively
inexpensive to manufacture, assemble, and fill, while at the same
time achieving the objectives just stated. Still another objective
is that the stored liquids be usable in increments, and that the
dispensing of all increments from the first to the last shall
continue to be on a substantially uniform proportioned basis. A
related problem is that the fluid components, which may be
expensive, should be completely dispensable, and the dispensing of
the last increment should not result in any failure of the package
to properly mix and interact the components.
THE DRAWINGS
The novel dispenser container of this invention is shown in
illustrative embodiments in the accompanying drawings, in which
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the dispenser container embodying
the features of the present invention, the container being shown in
use position with the hand of the user in a suitable position for
dispensing a proportioned, interacted mixture of two fluid
components;
FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 with the cap and dispensing end
portion of the container broken away to show the internal
construction, the appearance of the container when full being
indicated by the broken lines, while the solid lines show the
container in partially dispensed condition;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional detail view of the dispensing end
of the dispenser container of FIGS. 1 and 2, as the components
would appear when used for dispensing the two intermixed
liquids;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, except that the components are
shown in the relation that they would have when the container is
not being used for dispensing;
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the
dispensing end of the container;
FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 1
and looking toward the dispensing end of the container;
FIG. 7 is a reduced scale elevational view of the two compartment
tube;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the tube taken on line 8-8 of FIG.
7;
FIG. 9 is a transverse sectional view of the two compartment
container taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 2 showing the compartments in
partially collapsed condition;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the closure end of the
two compartment container taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary detailed view of the dispensing end of the
two compartment container looking in the direction indicated by the
line 11-11 in FIG. 7;
FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view of a modified form of the
dispensing end of the container, the components being shown in a
closed and sealed condition; and
FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 9 showing the components of the
modified construction in a open condition for intermixed
dispensing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Looking first at FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a dispenser
container designed for separate storage and dispensing of two
interacting liquid components. Because of the constructional
features of the present invention, the combination is capable of
providing on demand substantially uniform dispensing of both liquid
components in any desired increments, and the components are
dispensed as a proportioned reacting mixture, while avoiding
backflow and reacting of the components within the storage
compartments of the container. The problems and difficulties
described above have been substantially overcome.
The dispenser container of FIGS. 1 and 2 includes an elongated tube
or tubular container means designated generally by the number 10.
Container means 10 is formed of flexible material such as plastic
or a plastic laminate and provides opposite outer walls 11 and 12.
Central wall means 13, 14 divides the container 10 into two
longitudinally extending compartments 15 and 16, which preferably,
and in the embodiments shown, are of substantially equal
volume.
The dual compartmented container tube 10 is dimensioned to be
grasped by one hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, for
simultaneously and substantially uniformly collapsing the outer
wall 11, 12 and the central wall means 13, 14 toward a central
longitudinal plane substantially bisecting the container, as
indicated by a line x-x in FIG. 1. With this construction, the
squeezing pressure applied to the outer walls 11, 12 when the
container is grasped by the hand, for example, between the palm and
fingers, the volume of the compartments 15 and 16 can be
correspondingly reduced to achieve substantially uniform dispensing
of both liquid components.
As shown more clearly in FIG. 2, the tubular container 10 has an
outlet end and a closure end, the closure end being shown at the
top and the outlet end at the bottom, as the unit is preferably
held for dispensing. It will also be noted, as shown in both FIGS.
1 and 2, that the container means 10 tapers from the lower or
outlet end toward the upper or closure end so that the compartments
15, 16 progressively reduce in cross section toward the closure
end, or stated otherwise, progressively enlarge in cross section
toward the outlet end.
The tapering and cross-sectional shape of the tube elements which
provide the compartments or chambers 15, 16 can be seen more
clearly by comparing the cross section of FIG. 6 with the cross
section of FIG. 8. These cross sections show the tubular elements
substantially as they would appear in expanded condition, the
section of FIG. 6 being taken adjacent the outlet end, where the
section of FIG. 8 is taken adjacent the closure end. As can be
seen, the compartments 15, 16 have approximate cross sections of
half ellipses, the outer walls 11, 12, respectively, forming the
outer boundary of each half of the ellipse, while the inner walls
13, 14, generally coincide with the major axes of the ellipse. When
considered from this standpoint, it can be seen that the minor
axes, or more accurately the half of the minor axes within each of
the compartments (15, 16), progressively shortens from the outlet
end to the closure end of the compartments, the half minor axes
becoming zero at the sealing juncture 17. The arcuate outer walls
11, 12 are readily collapsible against the relatively straight or
flat inner walls 13, 14. Thus, this particular cross-sectional
shape and the tapering of the generally ellipsoidal two compartment
container contributes to the desired uniformity of collapsing,
creating equal pressures within each of the compartments (15, 16),
as well as equal reductions in compartment volumes. Both of the
tube elements can be simultaneously compressed by the grasp of a
single hand, as shown in FIG. 1. When substantially fully
collapsed, the outer walls 11 and 12 closely approach the inner
walls 13, 14 and become substantially parallel thereto, as shown
more clearly in FIG. 9.
At the closure end, the outer walls 11, 12 and the central wall
means, 13, 14 are brought together and united along a transverse
line, as indicated at 17. In the embodiment shown, and preferably,
the transverse closure seam 17 lies in substantially the same
longitudinal plane toward which the outer walls collapse as the
container is squeezed. A 90.degree.rotation of the closure line 17
has been found less desirable. If the closure line 17 is
perpendicular to the plane x-x toward which the walls 11, 12
collapse, there is much greater likelihood of the dispensing from
the respective compartment 15, 16 being unequal and variable. In
general, therefore, closure line 17 is preferably oriented so as to
be generally parallel to the central longitudinal plane of the
container toward which the outer walls are collapsed.
As indicated in FIG. 2, and shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4,
the outlet end of the container provides outlet port or port means
18, 19 which separately communicate with the compartments. As
shown, the port 18 communicates with the compartment 15, while the
port 19 communicates with the compartment 16. Outlet check valve
means, designated generally by the numbers 20 and 21, are
associated with each of the port means. As shown, the check valve
means 20 controls the port 18 and includes spring means for biasing
the valve to close the port when the container 10 is under ordinary
atmospheric pressure while permitting the ports to open when the
compartment 15 is exposed to pressure by the grasp of a hand. The
outlet check valve 21 is of similar construction and similarily
controls the port 19 for compartment 16. It will be appreciated
that the design of the check valves 21 is not critical, provided
they perform their intended function of permitting dispensing of
the fluids under pressure, while effectively precluding
backflow.
A dispenser cap or cap means, designated generally by the number
22, is received on the outlet end of the tubular container 10
enclosing the port means 18, 19 and the valve means 20, 21. The cap
22 provides a common passage or passage means 23 communicating at
its inner end (the upper end as shown in FIG. 2) with both of the
port means 18, 19 when they are opened by the valve means 20, 21.
As will subsequently be explained in greater detail, the passage
means 23 preferably includes flow-interrupting means, such as
baffle or orifice means, for promoting intermixing of the two
fluids, the object being to achieve a turbulent, intermixing type
of flow, rather than a smooth or laminar flow.
In accomplishing the objectives of the present invention, it is
preferred to form the entire tubular container 10 as an integral
unit from a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene or
polypropylene. Advantageously, container 10 can be formed by blow
molding with the closure ends of the compartments being left open.
The appearance of the container at this stage is shown more clearly
in FIG. 6. As there shown, the outlet end of the container is
closed by a horizontally extending disc portion 24, which provides
the outlet ports 18 and 19. The compartment 15 is provided between
the arcuate or semicircular wall 12 and the central generally
straight wall portion 14. Similarily, the compartment 16 is defined
by the outer curved wall 11 and the inner relatively straight wall
13. The walls 13 and 14 near their transverse center are connected
by an integral rib 25, which facilitates the blow molding of the
dual compartment container. If desired, the adjacent surfaces of
the central wall means 13, 14 can be partially or completely united
to define a composite central wall. With other types of molding,
such as extrusion molding, the container 10 might be formed with
the central wall means comprising a single integral partition, but
this is not required to achieve the objectives of the present
invention, and, in fact, the construction shown in FIG. 6 has
certain advantages.
The groovelike openings 26 and 27 between the walls 13 and 14 can
be reduced in size and partially closed when the closure end of the
tube is sealed. This is the construction shown in FIGS. 1 and 2
where the closure line 17 is formed by a heat seal, which fuses and
unites the portion of walls 11, 12, 13 and 14 immediately adjacent
the closure end of the container. Typically, the closure line 17
will extend along a straight transverse line, as shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 differs from the construction of FIGS. 1 and 2, however, in
that the outer corners, respectively, between the walls 12, 14 and
11, 13 are brought together and heat sealed or fused to form the
longitudinally extending flanges 28, 29, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.
While the heat seals 28, 29 improve the appearance of the
container, they are not essential for the purpose of the present
invention, and can be omitted, the container being used in the form
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. With the construction of FIGS. 7 and 8, the
central wall members 13, 14, are in effect one unitary partition
wall, but with either the construction of FIGS. 7 and 8 or that of
FIGS. 1 and 2, there is provided central wall means which divides
the container into the two compartments 15 and 16, and the outer
and central walls are collapsible toward the longitudinal central
plane, such as the plane x-x.
Reference is now made particularly to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, as showing
more clearly the individual components which provide the outlet
check valve 20, 21, the cap 22, and the passage 23. The components
of the cap assembly, as shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5, can
be molded from a suitable plastic, such as a poly vinyl plastic or
vinyl-acetate copolymer plastic. This includes the valve housing
insert 30, the cooperating spring retainer 31, the cover 32, and
the outlet spout 33. The ball valves 34 and the springs 35 can be
formed of metal, such as steel. The assembly of these components is
shown more clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4.
The member 30 provides two tubular extensions 30a, 30b which
extends through the port 18, 19, and provides housings for the
balls and springs 35. The horizontal disc portion 30c fits against
the container disc portion 24, these parts being held together by a
press fit.
The member 31 includes a horizontal disc portion 31a from which
project pin portions 31b and 31c, which retain the springs 35 in
the assembly, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Pin portion 31b, 31c are
provided respectively with channels or grooves 31d, 31e which
communicate respectively with cross channels 31f, and 31g. In the
center of disc portion 31a is provided an opening 31h the sidewalls
of which are in communication with the cross channels 31f and 31g.
The disc portions 30c and 31a can be sealed together by heat
fusion, or can be connected by a press fit.
In the embodiment shown, the cover 32 is provided with internal
threads 32a which cooperate with the external threads 36 on neck
portion 37 of the container. However, cover 32 can be permanently
attached to the container, with the other components assembled
substantially as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, or can be attached in
other suitable ways.
The embodiment shown, cover 32 also provides a spout portion 32b,
which slidably receives the tubular portion 33a of spout member 33,
the intermediate portion of the spout provides an annular boss or
lug 33b, which can be snapped into spout portion 32b over the
annular ledge 32c, while thereafter being retained therein for
movement between the open position shown in FIG. 3 and the closed
position shown in FIG. 4. The purpose of this operation will be
subsequently explained.
The disc portion 30c provides a circular recess 3d for receiving
the inner end of tubular section 33a, as shown in FIG. 4. In this
position, the inner end portion of spout section 33a closes and
effectively seals the crossflow channels 31f and 31g.
When the elements are in open position, as shown in FIG. 3, the
inner end 33c of spout 33a projects into the crossflow passages
31f, 31g, thereby tending to interrupt the flow and forcing the
fluids to enter the recess 33d, reverse direction and intermix, and
then flow outwardly through the passage 23, as indicated by the
arrows in FIG. 3. A turbulent intermixing of flow is desirable to
promote thorough intermixing of the two fluids being dispensed, and
therefore it is desirable to provide flow-interrupting or baffle
means for promoting the intermixing.
OPERATION
In the operation of the dispenser container, two interacting
liquids (which can be suspensions and emulsions as well as
solutions) are prepared at suitable concentrations for equal volume
mixing and dispensing. One of the liquids, such as leuco-dye for
hair, is filled into one of the compartments, such as the
compartment 15 before the end closure 17 is formed, as is the other
liquid, such as an activating oxidant solution, which may be filled
into the compartment 16. The heat sealed end closure is then
formed, as previously described, so that the compartments decrease
in cross section from the outlet end of the closure end, and the
closure line extends in a plane, which preferably is approximately
the same as the plane centrally bisecting the container between the
compartments and running generally parallel to the inner
compartment walls, 14 and 15. The rib 25, which connects the walls
13, 14 along the longitudinal center line of the container,
preferably terminates at a spaced distance from the transverse
union line 17, leaving a space 28, as shown more clearly in FIG.
10. The rib connection 25 can extend continuously from space 28 up
to and into the neck portion 38, as shown in FIG. 11.
For shipment and storage, it is preferred to provide manually
operable means for selectively preventing accidental opening of the
outlet check valves. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner end of
the common passage 23 through the outlet spout 33 communicates with
the port means 18, 19 through separate passage extensions 31f, 31d
and 31g, 31e. Manually operable means, comprising the slidable
spout member 33, is provided for selectively closing the outer ends
of the passage extensions, namely, the crossflow passages 31f and
31g. As shown, the inner end of spout portion 31g can be moved
across the passages 31f, 31g and inserted into the recess 30d,
thereby effectively closing the crossflow passages and preventing
communication between the compartment 15, 16 and the outflow
passage 23.
Preparatory to dispensing operation, spout 33 can be grasped by the
button end portion 33d and pulled outwardly to the position shown
in FIG. 3, which opens the passage 23 to crossflow channels 31f and
31g. The dispenser container is then inverted so that the liquid
components in the compartments 15 and 16, such as the components A
and B as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, run down toward the outlet
end. In this position, the container tube 10 can be grasped with
one hand, for example in the manner indicated in FIG. 1, and
substantially equal force applied to squeeze the outer walls 11 and
12 toward the inner walls 13, 14, and toward the center line x-x .
The result of this squeezing action is to simultaneously open the
outlet check valves 20, 21 by depression of the balls 34 against
the springs 35, as shown more clearly in FIG. 3. This permits the
two fluids to flow downwardly and merge in the common passage 23,
as indicated by the outflow arrows in FIG. 3. As previously
explained, the inner end portion 33c of outlet spout 33 serves as a
flow-interrupting or baffle means, which directs the fluids into
the recess 30d, thereby causing them to intermix and reverse
direction before flowing outwardly through the passage 23. As soon
as the squeezing pressure is relaxed, the balls 34 will return to
their seated positions as shown in FIG. 4, closing the valve ports
30e, 30f, and preventing any backflow which might contaminate the
solution within one of the compartments 15, 16.
It has been found that the dispensing operation is assisted where
the dispensing end of the container provides a relatively rigid
neck portion 37 surrounding the port means 20, 21. Also, it is
preferred that neck portion 37 be connected to tube 10 by an
outwardly extending annular shoulder or shoulder means 38. shoulder
portion 38 enlarges the compartments at the dispensing end of the
container and tends to prevent the outer walls 11, 12 from
collapsing against the central wall means 13, 14 adjacent the port
means 20, 21.
With the construction shown, the compartments 15 and 16 are
completely sealed by the container means 10 except for the port
means 18 and 19. The operation of the outlet check valves 20, 21,
which close as soon as a squeezing pressure is discontinued against
the walls 11, 12, is such as to maintain a partial vacuum within
the compartments 15 and 16 between incremental dispensing of the
liquids. This can cause the outer walls 11 and 12 to be held in
partially depressed or collapsed condition against the remaining
liquid in each compartment.
In FIG. 1, compartments 15, 16 are shown approximately half filled
with the liquids A, B, indicating that a portion of the liquids has
been previously dispensed. When fully charged as in the initial
formation of the package, the outermost portions of outer walls 11
and 12 may occupy positions somewhat as shown in the dotted lines
of FIG. 2. As the dispensing continues, they will tend to press in
against the remaining liquid, as indicated by the solid lines in
FIG. 2, where the liquids A and B have been reduced to about one
third the maximum volume of the compartments 15 and 16. In the
section of FIG. 9, the appearance of the compartment walls when
substantially fully collapsed is indicated, the level of the
liquids A and B, being below the section line 9-9 as shown in FIG.
2.
The shoulder portion 36 holds the dispensing end of the
compartments open for drainage collection of the last portions of
the liquid, while the container can be milked downwardly by hand
pressure to dispense the last liquid increments while still
maintaining relatively uniform intermixing.
MODIFICATIONS
It will be understood that the specific embodiment just described
is intended for purposes of illustration, and that certain of the
constructional features can be varied while still achieving the
same functions and results. For example, the tube elements forming
the compartments 15 and 16 can be originally manufactured as
separate components, being united in the area of the neck portion
17 to achieve an assembled construction substantially as previously
described. It will be appreciated that the closure ends of the tube
elements will be united through the formation of the heat-fusion
line or juncture, as previously described with respect to the
fusion seal 17. With such a construction, it will not be necessary
to provide any additional connection between the inner adjacent
walls of the compartments, such as the rib 25. This can be
completely omitted, which will permit the adjacent walls, such as
the walls 13, 14 to lie substantially against each other in the
assembled package. The general cross-sectional configuration and
taper of the compartments will be as previously described.
It will also be understood that the outlet check valve means and
dispenser cap assembly can be varied while still providing the same
method of functioning and accomplishing the same general results.
For example, such a modification is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.
Looking first at FIG. 12, which shows the assembly in closed and
sealed condition, the container means 10' defines the compartments
15', and 16' and provides the outlet port means 18' , 19' . The
exterior of the container neck portion 37' is provided with threads
34' , and also with an annular stop flange 101. The cover 32'
includes internal threads 102 which cooperate with the threads 34,
and also an annular stop flange 103, which cooperates with the stop
101. In the assembly of the parts, flange portion 103 is
sufficiently flexible to permit it to be snapped over the flange
101, permitting the threads 34' , 102 to engage, so that the cap
can be screwed down on the neck 37' to the position shown in FIG.
12. The cap 32' also includes an outlet spout 33' surrounding an
outlet passage 23' .
Prior to initial use, the outer end of spout 33' can provide a
sealed portion 104, which can be cut or snipped off to open the
passage 23' , as indicated by the line y-y in FIG. 12. The
appearance of the assembly in open condition is shown in FIG.
13.
The member 105 provides two tubular extensions 106, 107, which
respectively extend through the ports 18' , 19' and provide the
apertures 108, 109 which are respectively controlled by the valve
pins 110, 111. In the illustration given, the valve pins 110, 111
are integrally connected by a disc-shaped member 112 which provides
a central port 113. It will be understood that the pins 110, 111
are slidable within the tubular extensions 106, 107, the closed
position being shown in FIG. 12 and the open position in FIG. 13.
Spring biasing of the valve pins 110, 111 to closed position is
provided by spring member 114. In the illustration given, spring
114 is formed integrally with the pins 110, 111 and the disc
connector 112. This composite member can be molded from a suitable
thermoplastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, as can the
other components. The outer end of spring 114 can be received
within a recess 115 provided by cap 32' at the inner end of passage
23, the outer end of the recess being defined by an annular
shoulder 116.
The inner sides of pins 110, 111 are respectively provided with
longitudinally extending flow channels 117, 118. Thus, when the
container 10' is grasped with a hand to create pressure within the
compartments 15', and 16' , the valve pins 110, 111 move off of
their respective seats, opening the apertures 108, 109. The liquids
then flow through the apertures and the channels 117, 118 to the
port 113 passing between the adjacent surfaces of disc 112 and a
central disc-shaped portion 119 of insert 105, as shown in FIG. 13.
The opposing flows of the fluids or liquids will cause intermixing,
and this intermixing will continue as the liquids or fluids pass
through the port 13. The space 120 which contains the spring 114
can function as a mixing chamber. The intermixing of the fluids can
be further improved by providing flow-restricting means for
interrupting the flow of the liquids and retaining them within the
chamber 120 until thoroughly mixed. In the illustration given, a
disc 121 is supported on shoulder 116 immediately outward of the
spring 114 and provides a central restricted orifice 122. The
intermixed fluids pass through the orifice 122, after a short
residence time in mixing chamber 120, and flow outwardly through
passage 23' of spout 33' .
When it is desired to close the dispenser container, the cap is
screwed on to the container threads to the position shown in FIG.
12 where the valve pins 110, 111 are positively held in seated
relation to close the apertures 108, 109. In this position, the
spring 114 can be substantially fully compressed, as shown in FIG.
12. When it is desired to reopen the container, the cap is moved
outwardly on the threads to the position shown in FIG. 13, where
the cap flange 103 engages the stop flange 101. As will be noted,
in the closed condition, the total passage volume between the
apertures 108, 109 and the outer end of spout 33' is greatly
reduced, as compared with the open condition of FIG. 13. In closing
the cap, a substantial portion of the intermixed fluids will
thereby be forced out of the spout 33. At the same time, all
backflow is prevented by the action of the valve pins 110, 111.
* * * * *