AU782946B2

AU782946B2 - Dispensing device

Info

Publication number: AU782946B2
Application number: AU21290/02A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Donald Terry Goodall; Harvey Mckenzie Milne
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-09-22
Filing date: 2002-03-07
Publication date: 2005-09-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-22
Also published as: AU2129002A

Description

Our Ref:7680700 P/00/011 Regulation 3:2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): Donald Terry Goodall Beach Street Blakehurst New South Wales 2221 Australia and Harvey McKenzie Milne 22 The Circle Avalon New South Wales 2107 Australia DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Address for Service: Invention Title: Dispensing device The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 5020 P.\WPDOCS\CABSPECI\768070D ARS d..07/03/02 -1- DISPENSING DEVICE This invention relates generally to dispensing devices suitable for dispensing liquids from containers.

In Australian Patent No. 740394 (76330/00) there is described a dispensing device.

The contents of that specification is incorporated into the present application by way of Scross reference.

10 In the aforementioned patent specification there is described a dispensing device for dispensing liquid from a container. The dispensing device includes a main body which includes an end wall having an internal side face which when the device is in use is directed towards the interior of the container and an external side face, a dispensing outlet, and a closure movable relative to the main body between open and closed positions to selectively open and close the dispensing outlet. The dispensing device further includes a chamber between the external side face and the dispensing outlet, a liquid transfer port in the main body for permitting liquid flow from the container interior to the chamber and a breather port in the main body providing communication between the container interior and the chamber. The liquid transfer port and the breather port are separate and spaced apart from one another and when in a dispensing orientation the breather port is disposed above the liquid transfer port so as to form a static head pressure differential therebetween.

The spacing between the ports together with the chamber being such as to provide for a continuous and controlled flow of liquid from the dispensing outlet The arrangement is such that when the closure of the device is opened air is introduced to the chamber. The chamber contains an initial reservoir of liquid which can be immediately discharged through the dispensing outlet. A static head pressure differential is created by the vertical distance between the liquid transfer port and the breather port in the main body. The arrangement is such that air can enter the chamber externally of the container and pass through the breather port to the interior of the container so as to ensure a continuous steady flow of liquid out of the container. Pressure P.AWPDOCSMCASPCA\76S07000 ARS d.-7073/02 -2within the container is decreased and simultaneously liquid continuously discharges through the outlet port in the bottom of the chamber wall, whilst the closure remains open.

Discharge flow rates can be adjusted to container capacities by increasing the diameter of the chamber, and/or increasing the distance of the end wall from the closure and/or the size and position of the liquid transfer and breather ports in the end wall or side wall of the main body.

o* As described, the main body includes a generally tubular side wall extending from S• 10 the external side face of the end wall, such that the end wall and at least part of the tubular o. :side wall define the chamber. The closure is arranged to close the open end of the tubular side wall. The dispensing outlet is preferably in the tubular side wall at a lower portion thereof when the device is in a dispensing position. The tubular side wall is extended in .i .the region of the dispensing outlet so as to form a gutter which directs liquid within the chamber towards the dispensing outlet. The closure is pivotally connected to the main body for movement between the open and closed positions. The dispensing device as described includes one or more pins on one of either the main body or closure arranged to cooperate with respective one or more guides on either the main body or closure to guide "the closure during pivotal movement thereof.

The present invention relates to an improvement or modification of the device described in the aforementioned Australian Patent.

According to the present invention there is provided a dispensing device for dispensing liquid from a container, the dispensing device including a main body which includes an end wall having an internal side face which when the device is in use is directed towards the interior of the container and an external side face, a dispensing outlet, and a closure movable relative to the main body between open and closed positions to selectively open and close the dispensing outlet, a chamber between the external side face and the dispensing outlet, a liquid transfer port in the main body for permitting liquid flow from the container interior to the chamber and a breather port in the main body providing P\WPDOCSCABISPECI7680700 ARS dO.O7/03/02 -3communication between the container interior and the chamber, the liquid transfer port and the breather port being separate and spaced apart from one another with the breather port being disposed above the liquid transfer port when in a dispensing position so as to form a pressure differential therebetween. The spacing between the ports together with the chamber is such as to provide for a continuous and controlled flow of liquid from the dispensing outlet. The device further includes a flow control member associated with the liquid transfer port, the flow control member extending into the chamber and includes a wall adjacent to and above the liquid transfer port in the dispensing orientation.

10 In one preferred form the flow control member includes a curved side wall which is ooooo generally semi-circular in shape and an end wall. The curved side wall extends from the end wall of the dispensing device and overlies the liquid transfer port. The side wall is open at its underside which faces towards the dispensing outlet.

oooo S 15 The arrangement is such that in use the flow control member directs flow from the liquid transfer port towards the dispensing outlet and liquid within the chamber is directed around the curved side wall before flowing to the dispensing outlet. The position and configuration of the flow control member tends to smooth liquid flow at discharge.

The general structure of the other parts of the dispensing device may be as described above and in the aforementioned Australian Patent.

The device may further include means for limiting the pivotal movement of the closure relative to the main body of the device between the open and closed positions of the dispensing outlet. The limiting means may be in the form of a pair of pins on one of either the closure or main body of the device which in use are received within respective cooperating guides on the other of either the closure of main body. Each pin has a catch section thereon which engages with a stop on the guides to limit travel of the closure relative to the main body. In one form, the free end of the pin is rounded to assist entry of the pins into the guide which may be a tube on initial closing of the lid. Towards the bottom of the pins there may be a raised partial stop which engages with the tube flat to P \WPDOCS\CA.\SPEC\768070O ARS doC.07103102 -4hold the lid in the closed position. The section between top and bottom stops of the pins may be contoured to provide controlled resistance at the stop, and positions the closure between open and closed positions to inhibit the closures being inadvertently closed by the vacuum generated in the chamber (between end wall and cap) during the dispensing operation.

The device may further include a safety catch operable to releasably retain the S"closure in the closed position.

S. 10 In one form the safety catch may include a resilient latch member on one of the oeoeo closure or the main body adapted to cooperate with a detent on the other of the closure or the main body, the arrangement being such deformation of the latch member causes it to release from the detent. Preferably, the latch member is on the closure and the detent on the main body of the device.

The latch member may be operatively connected to or form part of the closure and include a locking lug extending therefrom the lug including a barb or projection thereon which cooperates with the detent.

Preferably, the latch member can be deformed by digital pressure thereby releasing the lug from the detent.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a tamper evidence element which in one form includes a tear strip which prior to use connects the closure to the main body and after removal permits the closure to move between its open and closed positions.

Preferably, the dispensing device is a one piece unit which may be formed from plastics material and may be manufactured by a moulding process.

In order to enable a clearer understanding of the invention, drawings illustrating P \WPDOCSCAB\SPECI\7607000.ARS doc-0703102 *0 00 0* *0 example embodiments are attached, and in those drawings: Figures 1 and 2 are schematic views of a dispensing device according to the present invention with the closure shown in a fully open position to more clearly show various features of the device; Figures 3 and 4 are schematic side views of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the normal operating open closed positions; 10 Figures 5 and 6 are schematic sectional side elevations similar to the views of Figures 3 and 4; Figures 7 to 10 are views for more clearly illustrating other features of the device; 15 Figure 11 is a schematic view of the main body of a dispensing device according to the present invention; Figure 12 is a schematic view of the main body shown in Figure 11 from the other side; Figure 13 is a schematic underside view of the closure of the device according to the present invention; Figure 14 is a schematic side view of the closure device shown in Figures 11 to 13; and Figure 15 and 16 are details of parts of the closure device shown in Figures 11 to @0 0 0**0 Referring to Figures 1 to 10 of the drawings, there is shown a dispensing device generally indicated at 210 which is adapted to be fitted to a container (not shown) in a p.\WPDOCSCAB SPECI\76S7O0D.ARS dc-07103/02 -6similar fashion to that described in Australian Patent No. 740394.

The dispensing device 210 includes a main body portion 212 having an end wall 213 with an internal side 215 which faces the interior of the container and an external side 216. As best seen in Figure 5, the main body 212 also includes a tubular side wall section 218 extending from the end wall 213 the space adjacent the end wall and bounded by parts of the wall of the tubular side wall section defining a chamber 220. A liquid transfer port 214 and a breather port 222 (Figure 2) are formed in the end wall 213. The ports 214 and 222 are spaced apart so as to produce static head pressure differential therebetween.

The chamber 220 is disposed on the external side of the end wall of the main body 212 and receives therein liquid from the liquid transfer port 214. The device further includes a closure member 230 for opening and closing a dispensing outlet 232 which is in liquid communication with the chamber 220. The closure member 230 is adapted to close the dispensing outlet 232 as a result of pivotal movement relative to the main body portion 212. The closure member 230 includes a plug section 231 having an inner end face 235 which is receivable within the tubular section of the main body so as to enclose the chamber 220, the plug section 231 being movable so as to cause the dispensing outlet 232 to open and close. As shown the plug section 230 is hingedly connected to the main body at hinge 245. Gripping recesses 236 are provided for opening and closing the closure member. The plug section has sealing rings on its outer surface providing a seal against the inner surface of the tubular side wall section 218 of the main body 212.

A gutter wall 250 is provided which is an extension of the tubular section. The gutter wall 250 includes a lower most portion having the dispensing outlet 232 therein and two side wall portions which extend to each side of the outlet. As shown the gutter wall 250 is an extension of the tubular section, the side wall portions being tapered outwardly from a position near the top of the tubular section when it is in its normal operating orientation so that the gutter wall is at its widest in the region of lower most portion. The side wall portions are adapted to act as gutters directing fluid towards the discharge outlet 232.

P.\WPDOCS\CAB\SPECI7607000.ARS doc-07/03102 -7- As best seen in Figures 7 to 10, the device further includes a tamper evidence pin 286 which is adapted to co-operate with the ring 287 mounted on the closure via breakable strips 285, the end of the pin 286 being received through the ring and having a barbed section to inhibit withdrawal. The ring 287 is caused to break away when the closure member 230 is moved to the open position for the first time. The ring is retained on the pin when it is broken away from the plug section. Locating pins 288 and 289 limit the pivotal movement of the closure member. The locating pins each have a shoulder 295 and 296 thereon which co-operate with elements 297 and 298 in guide tubes 299 and 300. In S° 10 the closed position, shoulders 295 and 296 abut against cooperating parts 305 on the outer .:e.oi side of the tubes. Secondary locking shoulders 308 abut against elements 297 and 298 in the closed position. The tubes 299 and 300 are oval in shape in order to provide some movement of the pins relative thereto as a result of the pivotal movement of the closure but also provided for a position guide action.

The device further includes a flow control member 290 which includes a curved side wall 292 and an end wall 294. The flow control member 290 is open on its underside.

The curved side wall 292 which is generally semi-circular in cross section extends into the chamber 220 from external side 218 of the end wall 213 of the device and partially surrounds the liquid transport port 214. The end wall 294 is slightly inclined with respect to the side wall 292 of the flow director 290.

In the closed position as shown the plug section 231 overlies the dispensing outlet 232. By finger manipulation of the gripping recesses 236 the closure 230 can be pulled outwardly thereby pivoting about hinge 245 so that the tubular section 231 is clear of the dispensing outlet 232. The closure is arranged for pivotal movement through about When the closure is opened air can enter the chamber 220 around the closure. Liquid immediately commences discharge from the chamber 220 through the dispensing outlet 232. Shortly after the outlet is opened liquid will flow from the container through the liquid transport port into the chamber and out through the dispensing outlet. The flow director 290 directs flow from the liquid transfer port towards the dispensing outlet. Other P.\WPDOCSCAB\SPECF76SO0700.ARS d.7/03/02 -8liquid in the chamber is guided around the curved side wall and then to the dispensing outlet. This arrangement minimises turbulence providing a continuous smooth flow from the dispensing outlet.

Referring to Figures 11 to 16 of the drawings there is shown a further form of dispensing device generally indicated at 310 which is adapted to be fitted to a container (not shown) in a similar fashion to that described earlier.

o The dispensing device 310 includes a main body portion 312 having an end wall 313 with an internal side 315 which faces the interior of the container and an external side.

The main body 312 also includes a tubular side wall section 318 extending from the end wall 313 the space adjacent the end wall and bounded by parts of the wall of the tubular side wall section defining a chamber 320. A liquid transfer port 314 and a breather port 322 are formed in the end wall 313. The ports 314 and 322 are spaced apart so as to produce static head pressure differential therebetween.

The chamber 320 is disposed on the external side of the end wall of the main body 312 and receives therein liquid from the liquid transfer port 314. The device further includes a closure member 330 for opening and closing a dispensing outlet 332 which is in 0006 20 liquid communication with the chamber 320. The closure member 330 is adapted to close the dispensing outlet 332 as a result of pivotal movement relative to the main body portion 312. The closure member 330 includes a plug section 331 having an inner end face which is receivable within the tubular section of the main body so as to enclose the chamber 320, the plug section 331 being movable so as to open or close the dispensing outlet 332. As shown the plug section 331 is hingedly connected to the main body at hinge 345. The plug section has sealing rings on its outer surface providing a seal against the inner surface of the tubular side wall section 318 of the main body 312.

A gutter wall is provided which is an extension of the tubular section. The gutter wall includes a lower most portion having the dispensing outlet 332 therein and two side wall portions which extend to each side of the outlet. As shown the gutter wall is an p.\WPDOCS\CABSPEC176807000 ARS doc.0703102 -9extension of the tubular section, the side wall portions being tapered outwardly from a position near the top of the tubular section when it is in its normal operating orientation so that the gutter wall is at its widest in the region of the lower most portion. The side wall portions are adapted to act as gutters directing fluid towards the discharge outlet 332.

The device further includes a flow control member 390 which includes a curved side wall 392 and an end wall 394. The flow control member 390 is open on its underside.

The curved side wall 392 which is generally semi-circular in cross section extends into the chamber 320 from external side 318 of the end wall 313 of the device and partially 10 surrounds the liquid transport port 314. The end wall 394 is slightly inclined with respect to the side wall 392 of the control member 390.

In the closed position as shown the plug section 331 overlies the dispensing outlet 332. When the closure is opened air can enter the chamber 320 around the closure. Liquid immediately commences discharge from the chamber 320 through the dispensing outlet 332. Shortly after the outlet is opened liquid will flow from the container through the liquid transport port into the chamber and out through the dispensing outlet. The flow control member 390 directs flow from the liquid transfer port towards the dispensing outlet. Other liquid in the chamber is guided around the curved side wall and then to the dispensing outlet. This arrangement minimises turbulence providing a continuous smooth flow from the dispensing outlet.

Movement of the closure relative to the main body is limited by two pins 380 which are locatable in respective recesses or guide tubes 383 on the closure. The pins 380 have a shoulder thereon which can engage against a stop in the recess with which it is associated when in the open position to limit movement beyond that point.

The device further includes a safety catch 395 which includes a latch member 396 having a latch body and a locking lug 397 having a barb or projection at its free end. The latch body is formed integral with the closure member 330 but is deformable relative thereto. The closure member 330 further includes finger receiving edge portions 399 and P.\WPDOCSARS'SPECI1E7690700 spaiedoc.-19'07103 399. The arrangement is such that the closure member 330 can be gripped by placing the thumb of the operator hand against the latch body and two fingers of that hand on respective ones of edge portions 398 and 399. By the application of a force to the closure member 330 the latch body can be deformed. The locking lug and its barb or projection are arranged to cooperate with a detent 400 formed in the main body 312 of the device. In the locked position the barn or projection is held against the detent. By applying a force as described above the latch body is deformed thereby releasing the barb or projection from the detent and thereby permitting movement of the closure member into the open position.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

20 Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts S: without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

Claims

1. A dispensing device for dispensing liquid from a container, the dispensing device including a main body which includes an end wall having an internal side face directed towards the interior of the container and an external side' face, a dispensing outlet, and a closure moveable relative to the main body between open and closed positions to selectively open and close the dispensing outlet, a chamber between the external side face and the dispensing outlet, a liquid transfer port in the main body for permitting liquid flow S* .from the container interior to the chamber and a breather port in the main body providing communication between the container interior and the chamber, the liquid transfer port and the breather port being separate and spaced apart from one another with the breather port being disposed above the liquid transfer port when in a dispensing orientation so as to form a static head pressure differential therebetween, the spacing between the breather port and the liquid transfer port together with the chamber being such as to provide for a continuous and controlled flow of liquid from the dispensing outlet, the device further including a flow control member associated with the liquid transfer port, the flow control member extending into the chamber and includes a wall adjacent to and above the liquid transfer port in the dispensing orientation.

2. A dispensing device according to claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional dimension of the liquid transfer port is greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the breather port.

3. A dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2 when the main body includes a generally tubular side wall extending from the external side face of the end wall, such that the end wall and at least part of the tubular side wall define the chamber.

4. A dispensing device according to claim 2 wherein said closure can close the open end of the tubular side wall.

5. A dispensing device according to claim 4 wherein said dispensing outlet is in said tubular side wall at a lower section thereof when in the dispensing orientation. P \WPDOCS\CABHSPEC7630700.APS doc-07/0/02 -12-

6. A dispensing device according to claim 5 wherein said tubular wall is extended in the region of the dispensing outlet so as to form a gutter which directs liquid within the chamber towards the dispensing outlet.

7. A dispensing device according to any preceding claim wherein said closure is pivotally connected to the main body for movement between the open and closed positions.

8. A dispensing device according to claim 7 wherein including one or more pins on one of either the main body or closure arranged to cooperate with respective one or more guides on the other either the main body or closure to guide on the closure during pivotal movement thereof. o

9. A dispensing device according to any preceding claim including flow control members which form a zone within the chamber containing the liquid transfer port and breather port.

A dispensing device according to claim 9 wherein said flow control members include two generally parallel spaced apart partition walls which project from the closure and are receivable in slots in the end wall of the main body.

11. A dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the flow control member includes a curved side wall which is generally semi-circular in shape and an end wall, the curved side wall extending from the end wall of the dispensing device and overlies the liquid transfer port, the side wall being open at its underside which faces towards the dispensing outlet.

12. A dispensing device according to claim 11, further including means for limiting the pivotal movement of the closure relative to the main body of the device between the open and closed positions of the dispensing outlet, the limiting means including a pair of pins, each pin having a catching section, which engages with an abutment which defines a travel P \WPDOCSUARS\SPECIE\7680700 doc.20/0/05

13- limit stop. 13. A device according to claim 1, further including a safety catch operable to releasably retain the closure in the closed position.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the safety catch includes a resilient latch member on one of the closure or the main body adapted to cooperate with a detent on the other of the closure or the main body, the arrangement being such deformation of the latch member causes it to release from the detent. A dispensing device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 0h

15 Dated this 2 0 th day of June 2005 DONALD TERRY GOODALL and HARVEY MCKENZIE MILNE I: By Their Patent Attorney 20 DAVIES COLLISON CAVE S* .o