AU2007202237A1 - Dual Flow Fluid Dispensing Cap - Google Patents

Description

18May, 2007 11:49 Wallinston-Dummer Sydney No .00 10 P 3 oO P/00/009 Regulation 3

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION DUAL FLOW FLUID DISPENSING CAP Invention Title: The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us: Our Ref: 072007 COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:49 Wal I in ton-Dummer Sydney No. 0 P 4 2 DUAL FLOW DISPENSING CAP (N The present invention relates to sealing caps for containers and, more particularly, to caps for liquid outlets on the side of a container and which provide for 00 inlet of air as liquid is dispensed from the container.

Ci BACKGROUND (Ci It is convenient for the dispensing of liquids from O large volume containers, to provide such containers with a liquid dispensing valve on a side of the container and as close as practicable to the base of the container so- that the container need not be manipulated but liquid may be dispensed by operation of the valve incorporated in the cap.

For substantially rigid containers, a common problem with simple valves is that the flow of liquid is impeded to the extent that air can enter the container to replace the liquid flow out of the container. One method is to invite a user to pierce a pre-marked spot at the top of the container prior to use, but this is inconvenient and introduces the possibility of dirt into the container or leakage if the container is tilted while still relatively full.

Another possibility is to provide a closure at the upper surface of the container, for example a screw cap which when loosened or removed allows the ingress of air.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:50 Wal ington-Dummer Sydney No 0 01 D P 3 S This however adds to the complexity of the moulding of the Ci container and its cost as well as being an undesirable projecting element.

00 It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages.

<C Note C The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention there is provided a container for the storage, transport and dispensing of low viscosity liquids; said container provided with at least one raised feature on a first surface of said container and at least one corresponding indented feature on a second opposite surface of said container; said at least one raised feature and said at least one indented feature adapted to the interlocked stacking of said containers; said container further provided with a dual flow liquid dispensing means projecting from a recessed portion of an end surface of said container; said dual flow dispensing means adapted for outflow of said liquid and inflow of air.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:50 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 6 4o .Preferably, said at least one raised feature projects 0 (C upwardly from an uppermost surface of said container.

Preferably, said at least one corresponding indented 0 0 feature is indented into a lowermost surface of said container.

Ci Preferably, said at least one corresponding indented 0 feature comprises two indented features; said two indented 0 features spaced apart so that said raised features of two 0

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1 said containers arranged side by side interlock with said two indented features of a said container placed on said side by side containers and transverse to said side by side containers.

Preferably, said at least one raised feature includes an upwardly projecting ridge.

Preferably, said at least one corresponding indented feature includes an indented groove.

Preferably, a said projecting ridge of a first lower container is adapted to enter as a light press fit into a said indented groove of a second upper container such that said uppermost surface of said lower container and said lowermost surface of said upper container are abutting.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May, 2007 11:50 Wal ington-Dummer Sydney N o 0 010 P 7 o Preferably, said uppermost surface is interrupted by a C centrally located depressed section extending across the width of said container.

00 Preferably, said centrally located depressed section is bridged by a bridging portion; said bridging portion 1^ Cn forming a handle for carrying said container.

ci ci C Preferably, said projecting ridge feature extends 0 across said depressed section and is integral with said 0 bridging portion; said bridging portion leaving an opening between an underside of said bridging portion and a lowermost surface of said depressed section.

Preferably, said recessed portion of an end surface of said container extends upwardly from said lowermost surface of said container for a portion of the height of said container and across at least a portion of the width of said container.

Preferably, said recessed portion is provided with an outwardly projecting outlet structure adapted to support and retain thereon an outwardly projecting liquid dispenser.

Preferably, the depth of said recessed portion and extent of said outwardly projecting liquid dispenser are arranged so that said liquid dispenser does not project COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:50 Wallington-Dummer SydneY No.0013 P. 8 6o beyond a plane defined by a portion of said one end of said (N container extending upwardly from said recess to said uppermost surface.

00 Preferably, said container is produced by the process of blow moulding from any suitable polymer material.

ci Preferably, said liquid dispenser includes an outer 0 body and an inner body; said outer body adapted for oattachment to said projecting outlet structnre; said inner body adapted for rotation between a first non-dispensing position and a second dispensing position; said inner body provided with a liquid passage and an air passage; said air passage adapted to allow air to enter said container when said inner body is in said dispensing position.

in a further broad form of the invention there is provided a container for the storage, transport and dispensing of a low viscosity liquid as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

in yet another broad form of the invention there is provided a liquid dispensing cap for the liquid container of any one of claims 1 to said cap including an outer body and an inner body; said outer body adapted for engagement with an outlet structure b~f said container; said inner body adapted for rotation within said outer body between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:51 Wal ington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 9 7o position; and wherein said inner body is provided with a C liquid passageway and an air passageway; said air passageway adapted to allow air to enter said container when said inner body is in said dispensing position.

00 Preferably, said outer body includes a barrel portion, Ce an outer sleeve and a outlet structure engaging sleeve; ci Co said outer sleeve and said outlet structure engaging sleeve connected to said barrel portion by a circumferential 0 flange; said barrel portion extending into said container when said outlet structure engaging sleeve is attached to said outlet structure.

Preferably, said inner body includes a cylindrical portion and a head portion; said cylindrical portion provided with a bore extending into said head portion.

Preferably, said head portion includes a peripheral flange and a grasping element projecting outwardly from said peripheral flange.

Preferably, said cylindrical portion is adapted for a slight interference fit within said barrel portion of said outer body; and wherein said peripheral flange and said grasping element of said head portion are adapted for a slight interference fit within said outer sleeve of said outer body.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:51 Wal ington-Dummer Sydney No00ID P. 8o" Preferably, said bore is divided along the length of (N said bore into a liquid passage and an air passage; said liquid passage communicating with a liquid outlet passage and said air passage communicating with an air inlet passage; each said passage provided in said grasping element of said head portion.

ci o Preferably, axes of said liquid outlet passage and ci said air inlet passage are diametrically opposed.

Preferably, outer walls of said cylindrical portion are provided with at least one liquid passing orifice and one air passing orifice; said liquid passing orifice in communication with said liquid passage and said air passing orifice in communication with said air passage.

Preferably, respective outer openings of said liquid outlet passage and said air inlet passage are in sealing engagement with internal surfaces of said outer sleeve when said inner body is in said non-dispensing position.

Preferably, said barrel portion of said outer body is provided with at least one liquid entry orifice and at least one air outlet orifice.

Preferably, said outer sleeve of said outer body is provided with a liquid outlet orifice and an air inlet COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:51 WallIinglon-Dummer Sydner No-0013 P. 11 -9o orifice; and wherein axes of said liquid outlet orifice and (N said air inlet orifice are diametrically opposed.

Preferably, respective axes of said liquid outlet 00 passage of said inner body and said liquid passing orifice of said outer body, and respective axes of said air inlet en passage of said inner body and said air inlet orifice of o said outer body are substantially aligned when said inner body is in said liquid dispensing position.

Preferably, said inner body is provided with a rotation limiting stop element projecting from an inward facing surface of said head portion.

Preferably, said outer body is provided with a rotation limiting recess in an outwardly facing surface of said circumferential flange; said recess in the form of a sector having an included angle of approximately degrees.

Preferably, said liquid dispensing cap is adapted to conduct a simultaneous outflow of a liquid from said container and an inflow of air into said container; said inflow of air substantially equal in volume of said outflow of liquid.

In still a further broad form. of the invention there is provided a liquid dispensing cap for a liquid container COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by P1 Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:51 WallIington-Dummer Sydney No-0613 P. 12 o as herein described and with reference to the accomrpanying CA drawings.in yet another broad form of the invention there is provided a liquid storage and dispenser assembly; said assembly including a container and a liquid dispensing cap; Mn said container provided with raised and indented structures o adapted for interlocking stacking of a plurality of said containers; said liquid dispensing cap adapted for a simultaneous flow of liquid from said container and flow of air into said container; said dispensing cap operable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1, is a perspective view from above of a preferred embodiment of a liquid container according to the invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view from below of the liquid container of Figure 1, Figure 3 is an end view of two of the containers of Figures 1 and 2 stacked one on the other, Figtres 4 and 4A, are perspective views of the containers of Figures 1 and 2 stacked on pallets, COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:51 18.Mao 200711:51 Wall inglon-Dummer SydneyNo01 P.1 No. 00 10 P 13 11 0 Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembled dual flow dispensing cap according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 6 is a perspective view of the cap of Figure partly disassembled, Figure 7, is a sectioned view of an outer body of the cap of Figures 5 and 6, Figure S, is a sectioned view of an inner body of the cap of Figures 5 and 6, Figure 9, is a sectioned view of the assembled cap of figure 1 when fitted to the outlet structure of the container of Figures 1 and 2, Figure 10 is a perspective view of an assembled aual flow dispensing cap according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the cap of Figure partly disassembled, Figure 12 is a sectioned -view of an outer body of the cap of Figures 10 and 11, Figure 12 is a sectioned view of an inner body of the cap of Figures 10 and 11, Figure 14 is an orthogonal view of the underside of the inner body of Figure 13.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18-May. 2007 11i:52 Wailington-Dummer Sydney No. 0010 P 14 12 o DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Ci First Preferred Embodiment With reference to Figure 1 a first preferred embodiment of a container 10 is of generally rectangular 00 prismatic form. Container 10 may be made of any suitable polymer adapted for blow moulding processes such as for ^c example high density polyethylene.

C] Formed into the central portion of upper surface 11 of O container 10 is depressed section 12 extending approximately a third of the length of container 11 and fully across its width. Raised above the upper surface 11 is at least one raised structure, which in this preferred embodiment comprises a ridge structure 13 extending for a substantial portion of the length of container 10 and positioned at the mid point of the width of container Ridge structure 13 forms a bridge across depressed section 12 leaving an opening 14 between the bridging portion and the surface 15 of depressed section 12 so as to effectively provide a handle 16 for the carrying of container As may best be seen in figure 2 the base 17 of container 10 is provided with at least one indented feature, in this embodiment a groove 18 extending at least for that portion of the length of the base 17 equal to the length of the raised structure of the upper surface 11.

The depth of groove 18 relative to the surface 19 of the base, that is the depth of indentation of the groove COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:52 IS~aY 260711:52 WalIngton-Dummer Sydney o01 .1 N o 0 0 10 P 13 o into the body of the container, is at least equal to the 0 (N height of the raised ridge 16 above upper surface 11. The width of groove 18 is such as to form a light press fit 00 with the width of ridge 16, or is at least such as to interlock two containers when one container is stacked upon another as can be seen in Figure Dispenser end 20 of container 10 is provided with a (Nrecess 29 extending upwardly from the -base 17 approximately o halfway of the height of container 10 and across the width of the container, or at least for that proportion of the width s-ufficient to accommodate liqfuid dispenser 100. The depth of recess 29, that is its intrusion into the body of the container is sufficient to prevent the projection of liquid dispenser 100 (see figures 3 and 3A), mounted on outlet structure 21, beyond the projected plane of the surface of the upper portion 22 of the dispenser end 20 of container In at least one preferred embodiment of the invention, container 10 is provided with a number of strengthening elements 23. Thus by way of illustrative example in Figures I and 2 vertical grooves 24 intruding into the body of container 10 act as vertical strengthening ribs. Similarly grooves 25 across the base 17 of container 10 provide strengthening ribs for the -base, and the grooves 23 across the upper surface 11 extending from each side of container COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:52 Wallinston-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 16 14 8* 10 and ending at central ridge 16, assist in strengthening upper surface portions 27 and 28.

In the particular preferred embodiment of container shown in Figures 1 and 2, the strengthening ribs provided 00 by grooves 25 in the base 17, may be spaced apart by a distance equal to the distance between the raised ridge (CA structures 16 of two side-by-side containers 10. By this (Ci means, containers may be stacked cross ways for alternate 1 0layers of containers thus increasing the stability of a stack of containers and particularly of a stacked pallet of containers, requiring little or any additional restraint.

It will be seen that the only feature of container to project beyond its generally rectangular prismatic form is that of ridge 16 (or other raised structure on its upper surface) By this means, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, horizontal and vertical arrays of containers may be arranged within a minimum volume of space.

With reference now to Figures 5 and 6, a cap 100 for a container incorporating a liquid dispensing valve, comprises an outer body 112 and an inner body 114. Figure shows outer body 112 and inner body 114 in an assembled state with inner body 114 rotated into a non-dispensing position relative to outer body 112. Figure 4 shows inner body 114 partly withdrawn from outer body 112.

Turning now to Figure 7, outer body 112 includes a barrel portion 116 closed at inward facing end 117 and open COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 iB.May. 2007 11:52 Wall oglon-Dummer Sydney No-0013 P. iT 15 o at outward facing end 119. Outer body 112 further includes anotrsev01 n note tutr-naigsev (N12an outer sleeve 118 and a outlet structure -engaging sleeve 120 are connected to outward facing end 119 by a peripheral flange 122- Barrel portion 116 is provided with at least one liquid entry orifice 124, and at least one air outlet orifice 126.

ci Outer sleeve 118 is provided with diametrically opposed liquid outlet orifice 123 and air inlet orifice 124. The axes of liquid outlet orifice 123 and air entry orifice 124 are aligned and lie together with the axes of liquid entry orifice 124 and air outlet orifice 126, in a common bisector plane of outer body 112.

Outlet structure -engaging sleeve 120 is provided with structures 28 on its inner surface 130 adapted to engage with complementary structures of the outlet structure 21 of container 101 as can be seen in Figure 9. Structures 128 may take the form of an internal thread or, alternatively, internal annular rings allowing a snap-fit engagement -of the outlet structure engaging sleeve 120 to the outlet structure 21 of the container. Additionally, an annular elastomeric seal 144 may be provided against inwardly facing surface 129 of peripheral flange 122, again as can be seen in Figure 9, which is compressed between surface 129 and the rim 143 of outlet structure 21.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 iS-May. 2007 11:53 WallIinglon-Dummer Sydney No-0010 P. 18 -16 oWith reference to Figure 8, inner body 114 is (N comprised of cylindrical portion 132 and head portion 134.

rlcad portion 134 is further comprised of peripheral flange 00 135 and grasping element 13G (as best seen in Figure 6).

Cylindrical portion 132 and head portion 134 are sized to assemble within barrel portion 116 and outer sleeve 118 respectively of outer body 12 as light interference fits, (Nallowing rotation of the inner body 112 relative to the oouter body 114 but preventing liquid penetration, particularly between the inner cylindrical surface of barrel portion 116 and the outer cylindrical surface of cylindrical portion 132.

Again with reference to Figure 8, the bore 145 of cylindrical portion 132 is divided by a web 137 into a liquid passage 138 and an ai r passage 139, extending from an inwardly facing open end 146 to closed end 147 in grasping element 13G. A liquid passing orifice 148 communicates with liquid passage 138 and an air passing orifice 149 communicates. with air passage 139- Liquid passage 138 further communicates with liquid outlet passage 150, while air passage 139 communicates with air inlet passage 152. Liquid outlet passage 150 and air inlet passage 152 are coaxial and respectively open out at diametrically opposite liquid outlet opening 151 and air inxlet opening 153.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 iG.May. 2007 11:53 WallIington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 19 17 o Also shown in Figure 4 is a rotation limiting stop (N element 154 projeacting rearwardly from peripheral flange Ct 135. Stop element 1.35 projects into a recess 155 in the 00 outwardly facing surface of peripheral flange 122 of outer body 112, when inner body 1.14 is assembled to outer body 112. Recess 155 may take the forr of an arcuate slot or sector, the defining radii of which subtend approximately ci 90 degrees. By this means the rotation of inner -body 114 relative to outer body 112 is limited to approximately degrees. The locations of recess 155 and stop element 154 are so arranged on the respective outer and inner bodies, that at a first limit of rotation liquid dispensing cap 100 is in the non-dispensing position shown in Figure 5, and at a second opposite limit of rotation is in the dispensing Is position shown in Figure .9.

Figure 9 shows the inner body 114 assembled within outer body 112 and the dispensing cap assembly 100 attached to the outlet structure 21 of a liquid container 10. As shown in Figure 9, inner body 114 has been rotated to the dispensing position so that air inlet opening 153 is coincident with air inlet orifice 124, and liquid outlet opening 151 is coincident with liquid outlet orifice 123.

I-n this position of inner body 114 relative to outer body 112, liquid flows from container 10 via liquid passage 138. Container 1.0 is a sealed container so that any egress of water from dispensing cap 100 will cause a reduction in COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:53 Wa l ington-Dummer Sydney No,0010 P. 18 S pressure of air at the top of the container. This in turn Ci draws air via the air passage 139, air passing orifice 149 and air entry orifice 126, as a stream of bubbles 156 to replace the volume of water leaving the container. This 00 arrangement then ensures that the flow of liquid through dispensing cap 100 is not impeded by the forming of a C' partial vacuum.

C Second Preferred Embodiment In this second preferred embodiment and with reference to Figures 10 to 14, a dual flow cap 200 again comprises an outer body 212 and inner body 214. Outer body 212 is of similar construction to that of the outer body 112 described above for the First Preferred Embodiment. It likewise comprises barrel portion 216 closed at inward facing end 117 and open at outward facing end 219. Again, outer body 212 incudes a flange 222 extending outwardly from the open end 219 of barrel portion 216. Flange 222 supports an outlet structure-engaging sleeve 220 extending inwardly from flange 222 and an outer sleeve 218 extending outwardly from flange 222. In this embodiment however, outer sleeve 218 is provided with a single orifice 223.

Outlet structure-engaging sleeve 220 is adapted for attachment to an outlet structure 21 of a container such as described above and shown in Figures 1 and 2, either by suitable mating thread structures 228 or as a snap fit.. The inner surface 229 of flange 222 is provided with a COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:53 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 21 19 o" projecting structure 230 adapted to locate in a mating 0 (Nq detent structure (not shown) on outlet structure 21 to ensure that on assembly of outer body 212 to outlet structure 21, aperture 223 is located at the lowest point 00 of outer sleeve 218. Outlet engaging sleeve is preferably provided with a tamper indicating ring 231.

en Barrel portion 216 is provided with two approximately 0-q diametrically opposed orifices 224 and 226. Of these, the smaller orifice 226 is adapted for the passage of air, while the larger orifice 224 is adapted for the passage of liquid and is located at the underside of barrel portion 216 when the outer body is assembled to a container.

Turning now to Figures 13 and 14, inner body 214 comprises a cylindrical portion 232 and head portion 234.

Head portion 234 comprises a flange 235 extending outwardly from an outer end 233 of cylindrical portion 232, and a grasping element 236 extending diametrically across the outer surface of flange 235. Grasping element 236 is of generally square section and projects sufficiently from the outer surface of flange 235 to be grasped by the fingers of a user.

Cylindrical portion 232 is open at its inner end 246 with the internal bore of portion 232 divided into first and second passages 238 and 239 respectively. This division may be accomplished by a web extending across and for the length of bore 245 as described for the first embodiment COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18-May. 2007 11:53 18.Ma 200711:53 Wall ington-Dummer SydneyHo01 P.2 No DOI 0 P 22 20 above, or by a tube structure 240 as shown in Figure -14. In this embodiment, unlike that of the first embodiment, grasping element is closed at one end, the other end provided with dual passageways 250 and 252 as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

Dual passageways 250 and 252 communicate respectively CAwith first and second passages 238 and 239 respectively, so 0that the larger communicating passages 250 and 238 are adapted to the dispensing flow of liquid, while the smaller communicating passages 252 and 239 allow for the ingress of air into the container.

Cylindrical portion 232 is also provided with diametrically opposed orifices 248 and 249, the first larger orifice 248 being adapted to the passage of liquid while the second smaller orifice 249 is adapted to the passage of air. The orif ices 248 and 249 lie in the diametrical plane defPined by grasping element 23 6.

Cylindrical portion 232 is of a length such that when inner body 214 is assembled to outer body 212, the inwardly facing end of cylindrical portion 232 closely abuts the internal surface of closed inward facing end 217 of outer body 212. The outer diameter of cylindrical portion 232 is such that portion 232 is a close sliding fit within the bore of barrel portion 216. The close abutment and tolerances between internal and external diameters is such that when orifices 248 anid 249 in cylindrical portion 232 COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May, 2007 11:54 WaIlington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 23 21 are out of alignment with the orifices 224 and 226 in 0 (C barrel portion 216, liquid cannot flow from the container, nor air enter it.

Inner body 214 is provided on the periphery of 00 cylindrical portion 232 with a snap-fitting projecting ridge 258 adapted to mate with a corresponding groove Sstructure 257 within the bore of barrel portion 216, so that when cylindrical portion 232 is fully inserted into the bore of barrel portion 216 the two bodies cannot be separated in use. When so inserted, the dual passageways 250 and 252 of grasping element 236 may be rotated into alignment with single orifice 2231 The outwardly facing surface of flange 222 of outer body portion is provided with an annular groove 255 extending over approximately a 90degree quadrant. Inwardly facing surface of flange 235 of inner body portion 214 is provided with a projecting structure 254 adapted to engage in groove 255, limiting inner body 214 to a clockwise and anticlockwise rotation of approximately The disposition of groove 255 and projecting structure 254 is such that at a first limit of rotation the orifices 248 and 249 of cylindrical portion 232 are out of alignment with orifices 224 and 226 of barrel portion 216, while at a second limit of rotation the respective orifices are in alignment. At this second limit of rotation the dual orifices 250 and 250 of grasping element 234 are also COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 I ~n n r. ni 18.May. 2007 11:54 Wal Ington-Dummer Sydney No.UU U P. 24 22 o brought into alignment with single orifice 223 in outer 0 C sleeve 218.

The precise location and size of the air passing 00 orifice 249 on cylindrical portion 216 is such that as inner body 214 is rotated towards its fluid dispensing position, the alignment allowing air to pass is slightly

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delayed. That is to say, the fluid passageway has opened NC partially and sufficiently to allow an initial flow of Sliquid before the air passageway opens. This has the effect of allowing a slight vacuum pressure to develop in the container before the air passageway opens and ensures that air will be drawn into the container when the passageway opens.

The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18

Claims (13)

18-MaY. 2007 11:54 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No, 0010 P 23 SCLAIMS 1. A container for the storage, transport and dispensing of low viscosity liquids; said container provided with 0 at least one raised feature on a first surface of said container and at least one corresponding indented cn feature on a second opposite surface of said ci Co container; said at least one raised feature and said at least one indented feature adapted to the 0 O interlocked stacking of said containers; said container further provided with a dual flow liquid dispensing means projecting from a recessed portion of an end surface of said container; said dual flow dispensing means adapted for outflow of said liquid and inflow of air. 2. The container of claim 1 wherein said at least one raised feature projects upwardly from an uppermost surface of said container. 3. The container of claim 1 or 2 wherein said at least one corresponding indented feature is indented into a lowermost surface of said container. 4. The container of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said at least one corresponding indented feature comprises two indented features and said at least one raised feature comprises tow raised features; said two COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:54 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No.UU1U P. 26 24 o indented features spaced apart so that said raised C features of two said containers arranged side by side interlock with said two indented features of a said container placed on said side by side containers and transverse to said side by side containers. n 5. The container of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said ci co at least one raised feature includes an upwardly ci projecting ridge. 0 C 6. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein said at least one corresponding indented feature includes an indented groove. 7. The container of claim 6 wherein a said projecting ridge of a first lower container is adapted to enter as a light press fit into a said indented groove of a second upper container such that said uppermost surface of said lower container and said lowermost surface of said upper container are abutting. 8. The container of any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein said uppermost surface is interrupted by a centrally located depressed section extending across the width of said container. 9. The container of claim 8 wherein said centrally located depressed section is bridged by a bridging COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:55 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 27 25 o portion; said bridging portion forming a handle for C carrying said container. The container of claim 9 wherein said projecting ridge 00 extends across said depressed section and is integral with said bridging portion; said bridging portion Sleaving an opening between an underside of said ci Sbridging portion and a lowermost surface of said ci depressed section. 11.. The container of any one of claims 3 to 10 wherein said recessed portion of an end surface of said container extends upwardly from said lowermost surface of said container for a portion of the height of said container and across at least a portion of the width of said container. 12. The container of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein said recessed portion is provided with an outwardly projecting outlet structure adapted to support and retain thereon an outwardly projecting liquid dispenser. 13. The container of claim 12 wherein the depth of said recessed portion and extent of said outwardly projecting liquid dispenser are arranged so that said liquid dispenser does not project beyond a plane defined by a portion of said one end of said container COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:55 Wallinston-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 28 26 o" extending upwardly from said recess to said uppermost (C surface. 14. The container of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein 0 0 said container is produced by the process of blow moulding from any suitable polymer material. (C 15. The container of any one of claims 12 to 14 wherein (N O said liquid dispenser includes an outer body and an (N Sinner body; said outer body adapted for attachment to c said projecting outlet structure; said inner body adapted for rotation between a first non-dispensing position and a second dispensing position; said inner body provided with a liquid passage and an air passage; said air passage adapted to allow air to enter said container when said inner body is in said dispensing position. 16. A container for the storage, transport and dispensing of a low viscosity liquid as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 17. A dual flow liquid dispensing cap for the liquid container of any one of claims 1 to 12; said cap including an outer body and an inner body; said outer body adapted for engagement with said outlet structure of said container; said inner body adapted for rotation within said outer body between a non- COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:55 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 29 27 o dispensing position and a dispensing position; and (C wherein said inner body is provided with a liquid passageway and an air passageway; said air passageway o0 adapted to allow air to enter said container when said inner body is in said dispensing position. n 18. The liquid dispensing cap of claim 17 wherein said ci c outer body includes a barrel portion, an outer sleeve and a outlet structure engaging sleeve; said outer 0 0 sleeve and said outlet structure engaging sleeve connected to said barrel portion by an outwardly extending flange; said barrel portion extending into said container when said outlet structure engaging sleeve is attached to said outlet structure.

19. The liquid dispensing cap of claim 17 or 18 wherein said inner body includes a cylindrical portion and a head portion; said cylindrical portion provided with a bore extending into said head portion. The liquid dispensing cap of claim 19 wherein said head portion includes an outwardly extending flange and a grasping element projecting outwardly from said outwardly extending flange.

21. The liquid dispensing cap of claim 19 or 20 wherein said cylindrical portion is adapted for a slight interference fit within said barrel portion of said COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:55 Wal i nston-Dummer S.ydney No.0010 P. 28 o outer body; and wherein said circumferential flange and said grasping element of said head portion are adapted for a slight interference fit within said outer sleeve of said outer body. 00

22. The liquid dispensing cap of claim 20 or 22 wherein cn said bore is divided along the length of said bore o C into said liquid passageway and said air passageway; said liquid passageway communicating with a liquid O outlet passage and said air passageway communicating with an air inlet passage; each said passage provided in said grasping element of said head portion.

23. The liquid dispensing cap of claim 22 wherein axes of said liquid outlet passage and said air inlet passage are diametrically opposed.

24. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 19 to 23 wherein said air inlet passage is disposed within said liquid outlet passage. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 19 to 24 wherein outer walls of said cylindrical portion are provided with at least one liquid passing orifice and one air passing orifice; said liquid passing orifice in communication with said liquid passageway and said air passing orifice in communication with said air passageway. COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:55 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 31 29 o 26. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 22 to eCq 25 wherein respective said at least one liquid passing Sorifice and air passing orifice are in sealing engagement with internal surfaces of said barrel 00 portion when said inner body is in said non-dispensing position- en ci C 9 27. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 18 to 26 wherein said barrel portion of said outer body is O provided with at least one liquid entry orifice and at least one air outlet orifice.

28. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 18 to 27 wherein said outer sleeve of said outer body is provided with a liquid outlet orifice and an air inlet orifice; and wherein axes of said liquid outlet orifice and said air inlet orifice are diametrically opposed.

29. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 25 to 28 wherein respective axes of said liquid outlet passage of said inner body and said liquid passing orifice of said outer body, and respective axes of said air inlet passage of said inner body and said air passing orifice of said outer body are substantially aligned when said inner body is in said liquid dispensing position. COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 8.May. 2007 11:56 Wallington-Dummer Sydney No.0010 P. 32 30 o- 30. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 19 to (Nq 29 wherein said inner body is provided with a rotation limiting stop element projecting from an inward facing surface of said head portion.

31. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 18 to n30 wherein said outer body is provided with a rotation ci ci olimiting recess in an outwardly facing surface of said ci circumferential flange; said recess in the form of a 0 0 sector having an included angle of approximately degrees.

32. The liquid dispensing cap of any one of claims 17 to 31 wherein said liquid dispensing cap is adapted to conduct a simultaneous outflow of a liquid from said container and an inflow of air into said container; said inflow of air substantially equal in volume of said outflow of liquid.

33. A liquid dispensing cap for a liquid container as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

34. A liquid storage and dispenser assembly; said assembly including a container and a liquid dispensing cap; said container provided with raised and indented structures adapted for interlocking stacking of a plurality of said containers; said liquid dispensing COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18 18.May. 2007 11:56 Wal inston-DOum er Sydney No.0010 P. 33 31 o cap adapted for a simultaneous flow of liquid from 0 CN said container and flow of air into said container; C said dispensing cap operable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position.

35. A liquid storage and dispenser assembly as herein C described and with reference to the accompanying ci o drawings. ci COMS ID No: SBMI-07431918 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:02 Date 2007-05-18