WO1994015849A1

WO1994015849A1 - Flowable material dispensing system

Info

Publication number: WO1994015849A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/000387
Authority: WO
Inventors: George Debush
Original assignee: Reseal International Limited Partnership
Priority date: 1993-01-12
Filing date: 1994-01-12
Publication date: 1994-07-21
Also published as: AU6025594A

Abstract

A system for dispensing a flowable substance includes a closed source member (1, 10) for holding the substance. A passageway (2, 2A) connects the source member with a dispensing chamber (14) with a first one-way valve (3) located within the passageway to prevent backflow into the source member. The dispensing chamber is arranged to dispense selected amounts of the flowable material through a dispensing head (6). The dispensing head contains a second one-way valve (5) connected to the dispensing chamber with passageways (8) extending from the second one-way valve to outlet openings (7) from the dispensing head. Alternatively, a passageway (112) can connect the source member directly with the second one-way valve (115) and the dispensing head (116). A peristaltic device (120A, 120B) acts on the passageway pressing the flowable substance out through the second one-way valve and the dispensing head.

Description

FLOWABLE MATERIAL DISPENSING SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

A flowable substance dispensing system particularly for dispensing condiments, includes a source, such as a bag or other collapsible container, holding the flowable substance, and a passageway from the source to a dispensing head. Valve means control flow from the source to the dispensing head while preventing backflow.

In dispensing systems, particularly in the fast food industry, it is important to dispense exact amounts of the flowable substance or condiment in a predetermined pattern. To date the dispensing systems used have been cumbersome, difficult to operate, and hard to refill, especially when the dispensing system is used in a very busy fast food establishment. In the past, assuring freshness and hygienic integrity of the dispensing system has been difficult.

Furthermore, it has been difficult to maintain the cleanliness of the system. In addition, when the system is a single-use unit, it has not been recyclable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:

Therefore, it is the primary object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system which assures the sanitary condition of the flowable substance being dispensed.

Another primary object of the present invention is to afford an inexpensive, recyclable one-time use system.

In accordance with the present invention, the flowable substance or condiment is supplied in a closed container which can be an integral part of the dispensing system. In one embodiment a passageway with a first one-way valve provides flow from the source to a dispensing chamber. The first one-way valve blocks any flow from the chamber back into the source while allowing flow from the source into the chamber. The chamber is connected via a second one-way valve to a dispensing head so that selected amounts of the substance can be dispensed while preventing any backflow of the substance or contaminants into the chamber when the substance is dispensed. In the invention the entire system affords a one-time use and when all of the flowable substance or condiments is dispensed, the system can be replaced. The system can be formed completely of recyclable plastics material.

The chamber receiving the flowable substance from the source can be constructed in a bellows-like form, so that by compressing the chamber a metered amount of the flowable substance can be dispensed.

When the bellows-like chamber moves into the expanded condition, a negative pressure is developed drawing the flowable substance from the source through the first one¬ way valve. The first one-way valve opens due to the negative pressure. When the chamber is compressed the positive pressure developed closes the first one-way valve preventing backflow to the source and the substance flows through the second one-way valve and out of the dispensing head.

The second one-way valve can be a valve similar to the Reseal valve disclosed in the Gerber Patent No. 4,846,810. Other one-way valves affording outflow from the dispensing chamber and preventing any backflow of the flowable substance or contaminants from the ambient atmosphere can also be used.

The dispensing head is shaped or constructed to dispense the flowable substance in a given pattern. As an example, in a fast food establishment, if a hamburger is ordered with ketchup, the dispensing head discharges the ketchup in a selected pattern. The dispensing step is, of course, applicable to a great many types of flowable substances, not necessarily food products, and the dispensing pattern is determined by the particular requirements of the product being prepared.

In one embodiment, the flowable substance, such as ketchup being applied to a hamburger, is directed through the second one-way valve by compressing the dispensing chamber. The substance flows through the valve and into a selected number of passageways, each with an outlet for directing the substance onto a hamburger in a selected pattern. Once the ketchup passes through the second one-way valve, it flows out of the dispensing head and cannot flow back into the dispensing chamber, because of the construction of the second one-way valve. Moreover, the second one-way valve assures that there is no backflow of contaminants from the ambient atmosphere back into the dispensing chamber once the ketchup has been dispensed. This assures the continued sanitary condition of the ketchup being dispensed.

The passageways in the dispensing head are shaped to insure that the flowable substance flows easily and does not generate any back pressure interfering with the operation of the dispensing system. Accordingly, the flowability of the substance being dispensed determines the shape and size of the passageways.

Depending on the material being dispensed, the dispensing system can be a hand-held, lightweight device which does not require maintenance. The device can be thrown away after a one-time use or the source can be removed when it is empty and provided with a new source without disposing of the entire system.

In another embodiment, in place of the dispensing chamber, a device with a peristaltic action is provided in the passageway between the source and the dispensing head. In this. embodiment, the dispensing chamber, and the valve between the dispensing chamber and the source are eliminated, while the one-way valve at the dispensing head is retained for preventing any backflow of the flowable substance or of contaminants from the ambient atmosphere.

In the passageway between the source and the one-way valve at the inlet to the dispensing head, a device using a peristaltic action is employed for withdrawing the flowable substance from the source and directing the flowable substance through the one-way valve and the dispensing head.

The peristaltic device can be linear or rotary. In the linear device a roller member is moved along the passageway, preferably in a manual operation, forcing the flowable substance through the passageway and out of the dispensing head. At the same time, the peristaltic action draws the flowable substance out of the source and into the passageway. After dispensing the flowable substance the roller member is returned to its original position for repeating the dispensing action as required. Where a rotary member is employed to provide the peristaltic action it can be manually operated or motor-driven to provide practically continuous flow.

In a motor-driven rotary member, the motor can be arranged to drive the rotary member for a given period of time dispensing a selected amount of the flowable substance.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of the dispensing system embodying the present invention; Fig. 2 is a view of the dispensing head taken in the direction of the arrow I;

Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view of one of the passageways in the dispensing head; and

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the second one-way valve;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view of another embodiment of the dispensing system employing peristaltic action and incorporating the present invention;

Fig. 6 is an schematic illustration of a linear peristaltic action dispensing member; and

Fig. 7 is an enlarged schematic illustration of a rotary peristaltic action dispensing member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:

The dispensing system 100 shown in Fig. 1 can be a unitary device or it can be formed of separable elements. The unitary device can be a disposable system, so that when the contents of the source 1 are emptied, the system can be thrown away. The various parts of the system can be formed of recyclable plastics material. Such a system is a considerable improvement over systems using a combination of metals, paper and/or plastics material.

If the system is reusable, when the source 1 is emptied, it can be removed and replaced.

The dispensing system 100 includes the source 1. The source can be a flexible container which collapses as its contents are removed. In a preferred embodiment, the source 1 is a flexible bag. The source has an outlet IA connected to a flexible passageway or tube 2. The tube 2 contains a first one-way valve 3 adjacent its outlet end 2A. If necessary, the first one-way valve can be moved closer to the source 1. The first one-way valve 3 opens when it is acted on by negative pressure. The outlet end 2A is connected to a dispensing chamber 4, illustrated as a bellows-like member. The bellows- like dispensing chamber 4 has an expanded position or condition indicated by A and a collapsed or compressed position or condition indicated by B. At the lower end of the dispensing chamber 4 there is a second one-way valve 5 shown schematically and mounted in a dispensing head 6. The dispensing chamber 4 has a section of a selected volume. When the dispensing chamber is compressed from the condition A to the condition B, the contents of the selected volume section within the chamber between positions A and B form a etered amount, which flows out first through the second one-way valve 5 and then through the passageways 8 to dispensing head outlet openings 7.

All of the parts of the dispensing system are formed of a plastics material so that the system can be recycled when it is no longer useable.

If the dispensing system 100 is to be a permanent unit, an empty source 1 can be replaced with another full bag or source.

The dispensing system can be set up as a permanent unit mounted on a counter or the like or it can be a lightweight hand-held device movably positionable on a counter or the like. The hand-held device does not require maintenance. Depending on the condiment or flowable substance being dispensed, a single outlet opening 7 and passageway 8 can be provided in the dispensing head 6 or a plurality of such openings 7 and passageways 8 can be arranged in the head. Fig. 2 shows five passageways 8 and outlet openings 7. Such an arrangement can be used for dispensing ketchup in a fast food establishment. The passageway 8 has a much larger cross- sectional area than the outlet opening 7 so that the ketchup can flow freely to the outlet opening without interfering with the dispensing operation. The passageways 8 are formed with a spiral shape 9, note Fig. 3, with the outlet openings 7 located eccentrically at the outlet end of the passageway whereby the ketchup flows easily through the passageway and out through the outlet opening 7. The system dispenses an exact quantity of ketchup onto a hamburger to assure the proper amount is dispensed and spread in a desired configuration. The arrangement of the passageways 8 and the outlet openings 7 depends on the material being dispensed and the product onto which it is distributed. The flowable substance is not restricted to food products, the system can be used to dispense any type of a flowable substance. As indicated above the number and shape of the outlet openings 7 and passageways 8 is dependent on the flowable substance being dispensed and any specific flow pattern required.

The second one-way valve 5, as shown in Fig. 4, is similar to the Reseal valve disclosed in the Gerber Patent No. 4,846,810. The valve 5 is formed of a valve body 10 with a first outlet duct 11 communicating with the material in the dispensing chamber 4. The valve 5 has a second outlet duct 12 extending to the passageways 8 in the dispensing head 6. The first and second outlet ducts 11, 12 are spaced from one another in either or both of the circumferential and axial directions. As shown in Fig. 4, the passageways are spaced apart in the axial direction of the valve. The outlet 11a from the first duct and the inlet 12a to the second duct are located through the outside surface 13 of the valve body 10. An expandable membrane sleeve 14 is fitted tightly about the outer surface of the valve body covering both the outlet 11a and the inlet 12a. The membrane sleeve 14 is sealed to the surface of the valve body so that flow from the container can only pass out through the first duct 11 and its outlet 11a forcing the membrane sleeve 14 radially outwardly away from the valve body surface, so that the flowable material from the chamber 4 can flow into the outlet 12a and then through the second duct 12 out of the valve into the passageways 8 and finally through the outlet openings 7. When the metered amount of the flowable material is dispensed out of the head 6, the membrane sleeve 14, no longer expanded radially outwardly from the valve body 10, rebounds inwardly into contact with the valve body and prevents any backward flow from the second passageway 12 to the first passageway 11 and then into the chamber 4.

While the valve body 10 is shown as an axially elongated part, it is possible to use a flat, disc-like part as the valve body. The important feature is, after the flowable material has been dispensed, that the membrane sleeve 14 is returned into tight surface contact with the valve body 10 preventing any backflow from the ambient atmosphere through the second duct to the first duct.

When the dispensing system 100 is used for dispensing ketchup held in the bag or container 1, the chamber 4 is compressed from the condition A to the condition B for dispensing the ketchup, and then allowed to return to the condition A, the vacuum produced in the return step draws the ketchup out of the bag 1 up through the passageway 2 and the first one-way valve 3 so that the chamber 4 is refilled with ketchup. The first one-way valve 3 prevents any flow back through the passageway 2 into the container 1. With the chamber 4 filled with the ketchup, when it is compressed from the condition A to the condition B, the ketchup is prevented from flowing into the passageway 2 by the valve 3 and flows into the second one-way valve 5 and then into the passageways 8 and out of the outlet openings 7 in the selected pattern. The passageways 8 and the outlet openings 7 in the dispensing head 6 are arranged to assure a uniform distribution of the flowable substance through each of the passageways whereby each outlet opening distributes a selected amount of ketchup onto a hamburger or the like.

The arrangement of the dispensing head 6 eliminates resistance to the flow of the flowable material. Since the system is hand operated, it is important to avoid fatigue of the person operating the system. This is particularly important, since such repeated hand operations can result in occupational disabilities.

In Fig. 5 another embodiment of the dispensing system is shown schematically with the elimination of the first one-way valve 3 and the dispensing chamber 4 in Fig. 1, and replaced by a peristaltic device 20, shown schematically.

In Fig. 5, the source 110 is connected by the flexible passageway 112 to the one-way valve 115, similar to the valve 5 in Fig. 1, and a dispensing head 116 similar to the dispensing head in Fig. 1. By means of the peristaltic device 120 a peristaltic-action member is provided which is moved or rolled in contact with the passageway 112 pressing the passageway closed and moving the flowable substance within the passageway toward and through the one-way valve 115 and out through the dispensing head 116. As a result of the movement of the peristaltic member toward the one-way valve 115 a negative pressure is developed in the passageway behind the peristaltic member which draws the flowable substance out of the source 110 for the next dispensing operation.

After the peristaltic member has completed its movement along the passageway it is guided out of contact with the passageway and back into its first position for the next dispensing step. In Fig. 6 a peristaltic device 122A is shown in the first position I moving into contact with the flexible passageway 112. As indicated by the arrow the peristaltic member 122A is moved from the position I to the position II. As it moves over and compresses the passageway, the flowable substance within the passageway is displaced toward the one¬ way valve 115 and the dispensing head 116 causing a selected amount of the flowable substance to discharge.

A pathway or track 124A guides the peristaltic member 122A between the first position I and the second position II. After reaching the second position II, the pathway 124A guides the peristaltic member 122A outwardly from contact with the passageway 112 and returns the peristaltic member 122A back to the first position I. The movement of the peristaltic member 122A from position I to position II is effected manually, such as by a lever, a handle or the like, not shown. The return action can be spring-biased or effected by some other return device. It would be possible to move the peristaltic member by a motor drive.

In Fig. 6 the peristaltic member 122A can be a roller or similar element for pressing the flowable substance out of the passageway and through the one-way valve 115 into the dispensing head 116. In Fig. 7, the peristaltic member 122B is a roller or similar device which is moved from the first position I to the second position II. The rolling rotary action can be effected manually or can be motor driven. In Fig. 7 the rotary peristaltic member 122B is moved along a circular path 124B. As it moves from position I to position II the flowable substance within the passageway 112 is displaced toward the one-valve 115 and out through the dispensing head 116. The peristaltic member 122B can be moved manually, by a crank, lever or handle, or by a motor operated continuously or for a given period of time for moving the peristaltic member between position I and position II.

In Fig. 7, a stationary rotatable shaft 126 can mount angularly spaced rollers, positioned to contact the passageway 112. As the shaft is rotated, the rollers contact the passageway and with a peristaltic action move the flowable substance toward the dispensing head 116. To dispense a given amount, the shaft can be driven so that one or more rollers move from position I to position II each time the shaft is activated. The system disclosed in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 is particularly effective for dispensing smaller amounts, such as one ounce per second. This system, as compared to the system in Figs. 1-3, is more cost effective, since it reduces the number of parts in the system.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for dispensing a flowable material comprising a closed source member holding the flowable material, said source member having an outlet, means for withdrawing the flowable material from the source member outlet and for dispensing selected amounts of the material, said means including a one-way valve means spaced downstream from the source member for dispensing the flowable substance out of the system and for preventing backflow of the flowable material and of contaminants into the system, said one-way valve means comprises a first one-way valve having a valve body with an inlet, an outlet spaced from said inlet and an outside surface, a first outlet passage extending from said inlet to a first location on said outside surface spaced from said inlet and outlet, a second outlet passage extending from a second location on said outside surface spaced from said first location to said outlet, an expandable membrane sleeve tightly fitted around said outside surface and forming a closure of said first outlet passage at said first location and of said second outlet passage at said second location, said membrane sleeve sealed to said valve body between said inlet and said first location and between said second location and said outlet whereby when said membrane sleeve is expanded the flowable substance can only flow from said first outlet passage to said second outlet passage, and said withdrawing means comprises a device located between the source member and the one-way valve means for withdrawing the flowable material from the source member and for pressing the flowable material through the one-way valve means.

2. A system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said device includes a dispensing chamber and a passageway connected to the outlet from said source member and to an inlet into said dispensing chamber, said one-way valve means comprises a second one-way valve located in said passageway between said device and said source member which opens due to negative pressure so that the flowable substance can flow from the source member into the dispensing chamber but cannot flow back through the second one-way valve into the source member.

3. A system, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said dispensing chamber comprises a collapsible section of a selected volume with said collapsible section having an expanded condition and a collapsed condition whereby in moving into the expanded condition the flowable substance is drawn into the dispensing chamber and in moving into the collapsed condition the flowable substance is forced out of the dispensing chamber through said first one-way valve.

4. A system, as set forth in claim 3, wherein the selected volume of said dispensing chamber includes a bellows- like section collapsible between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition.

5. A system, as set forth in claim 4, wherein said dispensing chamber has an outlet with said first one-way valve located at the dispensing chamber outlet for receiving the flowable material from the dispensing chamber.

6. A system, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said first one-way valve is arranged to permit flow out of the dispensing chamber and to prevent backflow through the first one-way valve into the dispensing chamber after the selected volume of this flowable material has been dispensed.

7. A system, as set forth in claim 6, wherein at least one outlet passageway is connected to said first one-way valve for conveying the flowable substance from the first one¬ way valve to an outlet opening.

8. A system, as set forth in claim 7, wherein a dispensing head is located at the outlet from said dispensing chamber, and said first one-way valve is positioned in the dispensing head.

9. A system, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said at least one outlet passageway extends from said outlet of said first one-way valve to an outlet opening from said dispensing head.

10. A system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said withdrawing means comprises a passageway extending from said source member to said first one-way valve, and said device comprises a peristaltic device for withdrawing flowable substance from said source member and directing the flowable substance to said first one way valve so that the flowable substance can be removed from the source member and directed out of the system but cannot flow back through said first one¬ way valve.

11. A system, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said peristaltic device comprises a linear displaceable peristaltic member movable into contact with and compressing said passageway and linearly movable from a first position to a second position closer to said first one-way valve while compressing said passageway for displacing a selected amount of the flowable substance out of the system.

12. A system, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said one-way valve located at a downstream end of said passageway, and a dispensing head connected to said one-way valve and arranged to dispense the flowable material in a selected pattern of the system.

13. A system, as set forth in claim 12, wherein said first one-way valve is arranged to permit flow into said dispensing head and to prevent backflow from said dispensing head into said passageway.

14. A system, as set forth in claim 9, wherein a plurality of said outlet passageways extend between said first one-way valve and corresponding outlet openings.

15. A system, as set forth in claim 14, wherein said passageways are arranged in a uniform angularly spaced arrangement about the outlet from said first one-way valve.

16. A system, as set forth in claim 15, wherein said outlet passageways are arranged in a spiral manner extending from said first one-way valve to said outlet openings.

17. A system, as set forth in claim 16, wherein said outlet passageways have a larger cross-sectional area than said corresponding outlet openings.

18. A system, as set forth in claim 17, wherein said outlet openings are arranged eccentrically relative to the corresponding outlet passageways.

19. A system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said source member is a flexible bag.

20. A system, as set forth in claim 2, wherein said passageway between said source member and said dispensing chamber is a flexible tube.

21. A system, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said passageway from said source member to said dispensing chamber opens to said dispensing chamber adjacent said dispensing head.

22. A system, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said passageway from said source member opens into said dispensing chamber at an end of said dispensing chamber spaced from said dispensing head.

23. A system, as set forth in claim 13, wherein at least one outlet passageway extends from an outlet end of said one-way valve to an outlet opening from said dispensing head.

24. A system, as set forth in claim 23, wherein a number of said outlet passageways are arranged in a uniform angularly-spaced arrangement about the outlet from said one¬ way valve.

25. A system, as set forth in claim 24, wherein said outlet passageways are arranged in a spiral manner extending from said first one-way valve each to a corresponding said outlet opening.

26. A system, as set forth in claim 25, wherein said outlet passageways each have a larger cross-sectional area than said corresponding outlet opening.

27. A system, as set forth in claim 26, wherein said outlet openings are arranged eccentrically relative to corresponding outlet passageways.

28. A system, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said peristaltic device comprises a linearly displaceable peristaltic member movable into contact with and compressing said passageway and movable from a first position to a second position closer to said first one-way valve for displacing a selected amount of the flowable substance out of the system.

29. A system, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said peristaltic device comprises a rotating peristaltic device including at least two roller-like members spaced angularly apar and movable into contact with and compressing said passageway for displacing a selected amount of the flowable substance out of the system.