CA1247567A - Dispensing container for liquid products - Google Patents
Dispensing container for liquid productsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1247567A CA1247567A CA000452585A CA452585A CA1247567A CA 1247567 A CA1247567 A CA 1247567A CA 000452585 A CA000452585 A CA 000452585A CA 452585 A CA452585 A CA 452585A CA 1247567 A CA1247567 A CA 1247567A
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- container
- outlet
- air pocket
- dispenser
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A compressible, i.e. squeeze-type, liquid dispenser comprises a liquid container which includes a structure establishing an auxiliary air chamber within the con-tainer associated with an outlet structure extending through the sidewall of the container such that by compressing the container the contents can be discharged through the con-tainer sidewall as contrasted with being discharged through a top or bottom wall as with prior art dispensing type containers.
The auxiliary air chamber provides temperature compensation and suck-back to provide drip-free operation in normal use.
A compressible, i.e. squeeze-type, liquid dispenser comprises a liquid container which includes a structure establishing an auxiliary air chamber within the con-tainer associated with an outlet structure extending through the sidewall of the container such that by compressing the container the contents can be discharged through the con-tainer sidewall as contrasted with being discharged through a top or bottom wall as with prior art dispensing type containers.
The auxiliary air chamber provides temperature compensation and suck-back to provide drip-free operation in normal use.
Description
DISPENSING CONTAINER FOR LIQUID PRODUCTS
Technical Field The invention relates to liquid containers and particularly to squeeze-type containers having means to dispense the liquid product when squeezed.
Background Art Applicant's own United States Patent 4,324,349 is believed to represent the most pertinent art. This patent discloses a liquid dispenser comprising a squeeze bottle with an opening formed in the underside of the squeeze bottle, a chamber defining an air pocket in an upper portion of the chamber, a liquid passageway connecting a`lower portion of the chamber with the interior of the bottle and a liquid outlet connecting the air pocket to the external atmosphere. The liquid outlet structure shown in the patent is located at the bottom of or below the squeeze bottle when the latter is oriented with the opening in the squeeze bottle at ~he underside of the squeeze bottle. Such structure is believed to represent a marked advance over other types of squeeze bottles and particularly for those applications where it is desired to dispense the liquid product at the bottom of or below the squeeze bottle and through attached auxiliary dispensing structure no~ forming part of the bottle itself as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the patent.
However, the liquid dispenser of applicant's prior paten~ is not adapted to dispense through a sidewall of the bottle with '7
Technical Field The invention relates to liquid containers and particularly to squeeze-type containers having means to dispense the liquid product when squeezed.
Background Art Applicant's own United States Patent 4,324,349 is believed to represent the most pertinent art. This patent discloses a liquid dispenser comprising a squeeze bottle with an opening formed in the underside of the squeeze bottle, a chamber defining an air pocket in an upper portion of the chamber, a liquid passageway connecting a`lower portion of the chamber with the interior of the bottle and a liquid outlet connecting the air pocket to the external atmosphere. The liquid outlet structure shown in the patent is located at the bottom of or below the squeeze bottle when the latter is oriented with the opening in the squeeze bottle at ~he underside of the squeeze bottle. Such structure is believed to represent a marked advance over other types of squeeze bottles and particularly for those applications where it is desired to dispense the liquid product at the bottom of or below the squeeze bottle and through attached auxiliary dispensing structure no~ forming part of the bottle itself as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the patent.
However, the liquid dispenser of applicant's prior paten~ is not adapted to dispense through a sidewall of the bottle with '7
-2-reference to another wall on wh~ch the bottle normally rests during use. Providing a practical sidewall dispensing squeeze bottle is recognized by applicant in the present invention as meeting another commercially significant need.
In other respectR, the ~queeæe ~ottle structure of applicant's prior patent i~ best adapted to liquids of relatively low viscosity. Thu~, it would be desirable to have a sidewall dispensing device adapted to dispense liquids of relatively high a~ well as low vi~cosity. In one further re~pect, it would be desirable to locate the air pocket chamber completely within the bottle and to make the chamber of relatively thin walls to minimize material as compared to the external, relatively thick wall air pocket chambers shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the patent.
Another squeeze-type container adapted to dispense from the bottom o the container is described in French Patent ApplicatLon 7832818 (Publication No. 2442195) to De Sancy.
This French publication discloses a deformable container for dispensing liquidl the container having a closure cap in threaded engagement with a neck of the container, a cupola-~haped structure within the container and an outlet tube extending through the cap into the interior of the cupola-shaped ~tructure, at lea~t one opening being provided in the bottom oE the latter to allow liquid in the container to flow into the cupola-shaped structure, the outlet tube extending from an air space above the liquid in the cupola-~haped structure. From the description given, it would appear that the dispensing structure described in the French reference would have relatively limited adaptability to operate without dripping in the event of wide temperature fluctuations such as in personal bathrooms, showers, and the like, and would also have limited application to a relatively wide viscosity range for the liquid products being contained and dispensed.
United States 3,157,319 to Schwienbacher di~closes ano~her bottom dispen~ing device for dispen~ing an easily dripping liquid. The Schwienbacher device comprise~ a resLliently deformable container ~ith a di~charge opening arranged in the ~ottom of the container, a hood associated with the bottom of the container, with an opening for allowing liquid in the interior o~ the container to 10w pa~t the bottom of the hood into the interior of the hood, and an S outlet tube extending from an air ~pace in the hood ~hrough the bottom of the container.
While not concerned with either a squeeze-type bottle or a bottom-type dispensing structure, reference is made to United States Patent 1,216,361 to M. S. Reynolds as representing another prior art refe,rence in which an ou~er noncompressible liquid container mount~ an inner container with the two containers being in liquid communication. In use, an antiseptic solution is placed in the outer container and a medicinal liquid is placed in the inner container. Air is supplied under pres3ure through a first tube into the antiseptic solution and passes through a second tube from the outer container to the inner container after being purified by the antiseptic solution to cause a portion of the liquid to be displaced from the inner container through a third, outlet tube extending through a removable cap at the top of the apparatus.
Another common practice, particularly for detergent dispensers, ha~ been to use a flexible walled container, i.e., a squeeze bottle, with a slidable valve at the top of the container which can be moved in and out to close and open tha container and when opened provides a means for dispensing the detergent through the valve. Flip-type valves in caps threadably or otherwise secured to the top of flexible wall containers have also been known and are moved between open and closed positions by pivoting the valve. Additionally, it has also been well Xnown to mount pumps of various kinds in the top of tl~e container to pump a liquid product out at the top of the container through a pump opening. However, any kind of pump structure introduce~ substantial expense to the overall container package.
Taking applicant's prior Patent 4,324,349 and all other prior art known to applicant into account, the art has not p;rovided a compressible-type liquid container with means to dispense through a sidewall of the container as contrasted to '7~7 dispensing through the top or bottom of the container and in a manner which minimizes fouling of the outlet, adapts to a wide variety of product viscosities, adapts to wide temperature variations, and does not promote dripping from the outlet when the outlet is open and the bottle is not being compressed and even though subjected to substantial environmental temperature changes.
The present invention is based on an appreciation of the fact that, in a liquid container having a structure defining a chamber within the container and an outlet providing communication between an air space in the chamber and the exterior of the container, it is not necessary to provide an outlet at the bottom or beneath the container but that, on the contrary, the outlet can be provided through a sidewall of the container in order to enable the discharge or outflow of the liquid, or in some cases the vapor of che liquid, from the chamber through the sidewall of the container.
Thus, for example, in the packaging of liquid consumer products, for example, liquid soap, it is in some cases advantageous to provide a container which can be operated to discharge the product lacerally from the container and at a position which can readily be visually observed by the user of the container.
Description o~` Drawings The drawings illustrate three basic forms or embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 11, the air pocket chamber is disposed opposite the botcom wall and is surrounded by liquid. In a second embodiment as illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 12, a sidewall forms part of the air pocket chamber. In a third embodiment as illustrated in Figures 5-10, the air pocket chamber is formed by a cubular structure inserted through an opening in the sidewall. Making more specific reference to the drawings:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic represencation of a compressible container and discharge means according to one form of the first embodiment of the in~ention~
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a modificatiorl of the Figure 1 construction;
Figure 3 i~ a diagrammatic representation of a compressible container with a sidewall forming part o~ the air poc~et chamber according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a cro3~-sectional view taken in the direction of line 4-4 of Figure 3;
Fiyures S and 6 are diagrammatic representations of a compressible container and discharge means according to the third ernbodiment of the invention with Fi~ure ~ illustrating the container in a filling position and Figure 6 in a dispensing posit.ion;
Figures 7 and 8 are dia~rammatic representation6 of a compressible container and discharge means as a modification of the third embodiment of the invention with Figure 7 illustrating the container in a filling position and Figure 8 illustrating the container in a dispensing position;
Figure~ 9 and 10 are diagrammatic repreqentations oE a container and di~charge means according to a further modification o~ the third embodiment of the invention with Figure 9 representing the container in a filling position and Figure 10 in a dispensing position;
Figure 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a container and discharge means according to a further modification oF the first embodiment;.and Figure 12 is a diagrarnmatic representation of a modification of the second embodiment in which, like Figure 3, a sidewall forms part of the air pocket chamber.
Description of the embodiments With reference to Figure 1, there is diagrammatically illustrated a container 20 in the body of which is a liquid 22 such as liquid soap, shaving cream, detergent, or the like, .
and which extends up to a level 24. An air space V-2 is left above the liquid level 24 as the product is consumed. An air pocket V-l is formed by an inner container 32 provided within s~
the body of container 20 and overlying a portion of the bottom wall 38 on which container 20 normally rests. This can be achieved by blow-moulding the con~ainer 20 around the container 32. Free communication between the exterior of the container 20 and the container 32 is provided by means of slots 35 or other openings Alternatively, container 32 can simply be mounted with its bottom open end spaced a predetermined distance above the inside of bottom wall 38~
Protruding outwardly and upwardly through the sidewall 40 and sealed thereto is an outlet passage in the form of a conduit 30 with the inlet end 34 of the ouelet conduit 30 serving to enclose and communicate with the upper end of the inner container 32. The body of container 20 is substantially sealed apart from the outlet conduit 30. Container 20 may be formed entirely of a compressible material or as illustrated in Figure 1 may be essentially rigid except for a compressible portion 42. A cap 44 may be used to close the outer discharge opening 45 of outlet conduit 30 if desired.
When a liquid substance is contained in the container 20 and the container is disposed upright as shown in Figure 1, with the outlet conduit 30 extending outwardly and upwardly therefrom, the pocket of air V-l is formed in the inner container 32 and with cap 44 removed, such pocket communicates throuyh the outlet conduit 30 with the outside atmospheric pressure. Liquid en~ers the inner container 32 to a level 36 while at the same time leaving the pocket of air V-l in the inner container 32 and outlet conduit 30. Level 36 will be determined by the partial vacuum in space V-2, the specific design configuration, the specific gravity of the product, the atmospheric pressure, and the prevailing temperature. In this conditiont any liquid, whether in the outer container 20 or inner container 32 will not escape or drip from the outlet conduit 30 so long as the container 20 is not compressed or otherwise disturbed and even in the presence of relatively wide variation in the environmental temperature or atmospheric 5~7 pressure. The cap 44 is thus not necessary to prevent escape or dripping of the fluid under normal operation conditions of temperature and atmospheric pressure changes. Outlet conduit 30 can be made as large as required to suit the nature and liquid S and operating conditions to prevent run-out or dripping.
In order to discharge material from the container through the outlet conduit 30, the pressure P in the space V-2 above the liquid level must be increased by some suitable means. In the case where the container 20 is a resiliently-sided, flexible bottle, this pressure increase can be achieved merely by squeezing. Atlernatively, as illustrated in Figure 1 the compressible portion 42 can be compressed to achieve the same effect. No lifting of the bottle is required in either case. By whatever means the pressure P is increased, the liquid level 24 tends to fall and the liquid level 3~ in the inner container 32 will tend to rise. As the pressure P
increases, the level 36 eventually rises to the level of the discharge opening ~5 of the outlet conduit 30 and liquid starts to discharge through the conduit 30 When pressure in space V-2 is relieved, for example, by releasing the compressible portion ~2 or in the event of having a resiliently-sided, flexible bottle, by releasing the squeeze on the bottle, pressure P will be less than outside atmospheric pressure and consequently air will be sucked in through conduit 30, through the air pocket V-l, to bubble up through the liquid 22 to restore the pressure in the space V-2. The return of air through conduit 30 together with the effect of gravity on the fluid by reason of the slope of conduit 30, causes any excess liquid to return to the inner container below the space V-l.
The upwardly and outwardly sloping conduit 30 thus communicates with the air chamber V-l and is, in effect, an outlet structure over inner container 32 and thus provides a practical pressure actuated, side discharge container. Also to be noted is that when container 20 is simply resting on bottom wall 38 as, for example, when containing a hand lotion or similar subscance and '7567 resting in a bathroom, chere will be no tendency for such substance to drip or otherwise leak from the discharge opening 45 even when cap 44 is not installed and even though there may be relatively wide variations in temperature in the room. Thus, by suitable design, the volume V~l between the liquid level 36 and the discharge opening 45 can be arranged so âS to withstand risk of drip, leakage, or the like, and without requiring the use of a cap 44 over the discharge opening 45.
A modification of the Figure 1 embodiment is illustrated in Figure 2 in which container 50 is formed with a flexible sidewall 52, a cap 54 for filling the container with the desired liquid product 56, an inner container 56 and innerconnected outlet 58 with suitable holes 68 or other openings to allow free transmission between the liquld in outer container 50 and inner container 56. Container 50 is furthermore formed in its lower portion with a confining structure 62 so as to provide, in effect, a constricting well around the bottom of inner container 56 to facilitate emptying the product once it is near empty. In other respects, it will be understood that by squeezing the fle~ible wall 52 the pressure P will be developed in volume V-2 so as to cause the level 64 to rise until the desired discharge takes place through the outlet port 66.
Another practical embodiment is diagrammatically illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 in which there is shown a flexible wall container 70 with a top cap 72 for filling the container and with the internally-formed sloping bottom wall 74 to facilitate final emptying of the contents of container 70.
Another inner formed vertical wall structure 76 spans the container internally and in conjunction with a suitably formed outer sidewall structure 78 establishes the space V-l in Figure
In other respectR, the ~queeæe ~ottle structure of applicant's prior patent i~ best adapted to liquids of relatively low viscosity. Thu~, it would be desirable to have a sidewall dispensing device adapted to dispense liquids of relatively high a~ well as low vi~cosity. In one further re~pect, it would be desirable to locate the air pocket chamber completely within the bottle and to make the chamber of relatively thin walls to minimize material as compared to the external, relatively thick wall air pocket chambers shown in Figures 2 and 3 of the patent.
Another squeeze-type container adapted to dispense from the bottom o the container is described in French Patent ApplicatLon 7832818 (Publication No. 2442195) to De Sancy.
This French publication discloses a deformable container for dispensing liquidl the container having a closure cap in threaded engagement with a neck of the container, a cupola-~haped structure within the container and an outlet tube extending through the cap into the interior of the cupola-shaped ~tructure, at lea~t one opening being provided in the bottom oE the latter to allow liquid in the container to flow into the cupola-shaped structure, the outlet tube extending from an air space above the liquid in the cupola-~haped structure. From the description given, it would appear that the dispensing structure described in the French reference would have relatively limited adaptability to operate without dripping in the event of wide temperature fluctuations such as in personal bathrooms, showers, and the like, and would also have limited application to a relatively wide viscosity range for the liquid products being contained and dispensed.
United States 3,157,319 to Schwienbacher di~closes ano~her bottom dispen~ing device for dispen~ing an easily dripping liquid. The Schwienbacher device comprise~ a resLliently deformable container ~ith a di~charge opening arranged in the ~ottom of the container, a hood associated with the bottom of the container, with an opening for allowing liquid in the interior o~ the container to 10w pa~t the bottom of the hood into the interior of the hood, and an S outlet tube extending from an air ~pace in the hood ~hrough the bottom of the container.
While not concerned with either a squeeze-type bottle or a bottom-type dispensing structure, reference is made to United States Patent 1,216,361 to M. S. Reynolds as representing another prior art refe,rence in which an ou~er noncompressible liquid container mount~ an inner container with the two containers being in liquid communication. In use, an antiseptic solution is placed in the outer container and a medicinal liquid is placed in the inner container. Air is supplied under pres3ure through a first tube into the antiseptic solution and passes through a second tube from the outer container to the inner container after being purified by the antiseptic solution to cause a portion of the liquid to be displaced from the inner container through a third, outlet tube extending through a removable cap at the top of the apparatus.
Another common practice, particularly for detergent dispensers, ha~ been to use a flexible walled container, i.e., a squeeze bottle, with a slidable valve at the top of the container which can be moved in and out to close and open tha container and when opened provides a means for dispensing the detergent through the valve. Flip-type valves in caps threadably or otherwise secured to the top of flexible wall containers have also been known and are moved between open and closed positions by pivoting the valve. Additionally, it has also been well Xnown to mount pumps of various kinds in the top of tl~e container to pump a liquid product out at the top of the container through a pump opening. However, any kind of pump structure introduce~ substantial expense to the overall container package.
Taking applicant's prior Patent 4,324,349 and all other prior art known to applicant into account, the art has not p;rovided a compressible-type liquid container with means to dispense through a sidewall of the container as contrasted to '7~7 dispensing through the top or bottom of the container and in a manner which minimizes fouling of the outlet, adapts to a wide variety of product viscosities, adapts to wide temperature variations, and does not promote dripping from the outlet when the outlet is open and the bottle is not being compressed and even though subjected to substantial environmental temperature changes.
The present invention is based on an appreciation of the fact that, in a liquid container having a structure defining a chamber within the container and an outlet providing communication between an air space in the chamber and the exterior of the container, it is not necessary to provide an outlet at the bottom or beneath the container but that, on the contrary, the outlet can be provided through a sidewall of the container in order to enable the discharge or outflow of the liquid, or in some cases the vapor of che liquid, from the chamber through the sidewall of the container.
Thus, for example, in the packaging of liquid consumer products, for example, liquid soap, it is in some cases advantageous to provide a container which can be operated to discharge the product lacerally from the container and at a position which can readily be visually observed by the user of the container.
Description o~` Drawings The drawings illustrate three basic forms or embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment as illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 11, the air pocket chamber is disposed opposite the botcom wall and is surrounded by liquid. In a second embodiment as illustrated in Figures 3, 4 and 12, a sidewall forms part of the air pocket chamber. In a third embodiment as illustrated in Figures 5-10, the air pocket chamber is formed by a cubular structure inserted through an opening in the sidewall. Making more specific reference to the drawings:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic represencation of a compressible container and discharge means according to one form of the first embodiment of the in~ention~
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a modificatiorl of the Figure 1 construction;
Figure 3 i~ a diagrammatic representation of a compressible container with a sidewall forming part o~ the air poc~et chamber according to a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a cro3~-sectional view taken in the direction of line 4-4 of Figure 3;
Fiyures S and 6 are diagrammatic representations of a compressible container and discharge means according to the third ernbodiment of the invention with Fi~ure ~ illustrating the container in a filling position and Figure 6 in a dispensing posit.ion;
Figures 7 and 8 are dia~rammatic representation6 of a compressible container and discharge means as a modification of the third embodiment of the invention with Figure 7 illustrating the container in a filling position and Figure 8 illustrating the container in a dispensing position;
Figure~ 9 and 10 are diagrammatic repreqentations oE a container and di~charge means according to a further modification o~ the third embodiment of the invention with Figure 9 representing the container in a filling position and Figure 10 in a dispensing position;
Figure 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a container and discharge means according to a further modification oF the first embodiment;.and Figure 12 is a diagrarnmatic representation of a modification of the second embodiment in which, like Figure 3, a sidewall forms part of the air pocket chamber.
Description of the embodiments With reference to Figure 1, there is diagrammatically illustrated a container 20 in the body of which is a liquid 22 such as liquid soap, shaving cream, detergent, or the like, .
and which extends up to a level 24. An air space V-2 is left above the liquid level 24 as the product is consumed. An air pocket V-l is formed by an inner container 32 provided within s~
the body of container 20 and overlying a portion of the bottom wall 38 on which container 20 normally rests. This can be achieved by blow-moulding the con~ainer 20 around the container 32. Free communication between the exterior of the container 20 and the container 32 is provided by means of slots 35 or other openings Alternatively, container 32 can simply be mounted with its bottom open end spaced a predetermined distance above the inside of bottom wall 38~
Protruding outwardly and upwardly through the sidewall 40 and sealed thereto is an outlet passage in the form of a conduit 30 with the inlet end 34 of the ouelet conduit 30 serving to enclose and communicate with the upper end of the inner container 32. The body of container 20 is substantially sealed apart from the outlet conduit 30. Container 20 may be formed entirely of a compressible material or as illustrated in Figure 1 may be essentially rigid except for a compressible portion 42. A cap 44 may be used to close the outer discharge opening 45 of outlet conduit 30 if desired.
When a liquid substance is contained in the container 20 and the container is disposed upright as shown in Figure 1, with the outlet conduit 30 extending outwardly and upwardly therefrom, the pocket of air V-l is formed in the inner container 32 and with cap 44 removed, such pocket communicates throuyh the outlet conduit 30 with the outside atmospheric pressure. Liquid en~ers the inner container 32 to a level 36 while at the same time leaving the pocket of air V-l in the inner container 32 and outlet conduit 30. Level 36 will be determined by the partial vacuum in space V-2, the specific design configuration, the specific gravity of the product, the atmospheric pressure, and the prevailing temperature. In this conditiont any liquid, whether in the outer container 20 or inner container 32 will not escape or drip from the outlet conduit 30 so long as the container 20 is not compressed or otherwise disturbed and even in the presence of relatively wide variation in the environmental temperature or atmospheric 5~7 pressure. The cap 44 is thus not necessary to prevent escape or dripping of the fluid under normal operation conditions of temperature and atmospheric pressure changes. Outlet conduit 30 can be made as large as required to suit the nature and liquid S and operating conditions to prevent run-out or dripping.
In order to discharge material from the container through the outlet conduit 30, the pressure P in the space V-2 above the liquid level must be increased by some suitable means. In the case where the container 20 is a resiliently-sided, flexible bottle, this pressure increase can be achieved merely by squeezing. Atlernatively, as illustrated in Figure 1 the compressible portion 42 can be compressed to achieve the same effect. No lifting of the bottle is required in either case. By whatever means the pressure P is increased, the liquid level 24 tends to fall and the liquid level 3~ in the inner container 32 will tend to rise. As the pressure P
increases, the level 36 eventually rises to the level of the discharge opening ~5 of the outlet conduit 30 and liquid starts to discharge through the conduit 30 When pressure in space V-2 is relieved, for example, by releasing the compressible portion ~2 or in the event of having a resiliently-sided, flexible bottle, by releasing the squeeze on the bottle, pressure P will be less than outside atmospheric pressure and consequently air will be sucked in through conduit 30, through the air pocket V-l, to bubble up through the liquid 22 to restore the pressure in the space V-2. The return of air through conduit 30 together with the effect of gravity on the fluid by reason of the slope of conduit 30, causes any excess liquid to return to the inner container below the space V-l.
The upwardly and outwardly sloping conduit 30 thus communicates with the air chamber V-l and is, in effect, an outlet structure over inner container 32 and thus provides a practical pressure actuated, side discharge container. Also to be noted is that when container 20 is simply resting on bottom wall 38 as, for example, when containing a hand lotion or similar subscance and '7567 resting in a bathroom, chere will be no tendency for such substance to drip or otherwise leak from the discharge opening 45 even when cap 44 is not installed and even though there may be relatively wide variations in temperature in the room. Thus, by suitable design, the volume V~l between the liquid level 36 and the discharge opening 45 can be arranged so âS to withstand risk of drip, leakage, or the like, and without requiring the use of a cap 44 over the discharge opening 45.
A modification of the Figure 1 embodiment is illustrated in Figure 2 in which container 50 is formed with a flexible sidewall 52, a cap 54 for filling the container with the desired liquid product 56, an inner container 56 and innerconnected outlet 58 with suitable holes 68 or other openings to allow free transmission between the liquld in outer container 50 and inner container 56. Container 50 is furthermore formed in its lower portion with a confining structure 62 so as to provide, in effect, a constricting well around the bottom of inner container 56 to facilitate emptying the product once it is near empty. In other respects, it will be understood that by squeezing the fle~ible wall 52 the pressure P will be developed in volume V-2 so as to cause the level 64 to rise until the desired discharge takes place through the outlet port 66.
Another practical embodiment is diagrammatically illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 in which there is shown a flexible wall container 70 with a top cap 72 for filling the container and with the internally-formed sloping bottom wall 74 to facilitate final emptying of the contents of container 70.
Another inner formed vertical wall structure 76 spans the container internally and in conjunction with a suitably formed outer sidewall structure 78 establishes the space V-l in Figure
3. Wall structure 76 is also placed so as to assist in employing the container particularly when near empty. Openings 80, slocs or the like are provided to communicate the liquid 82 in the outer container 70 with the liquid 84 below volume V-l in ~L~4'756'7 g Figure 3. A schematically-illustrated, flip-type closure 86 is arranged to pivot on the side of container 70 and when closed and not in use tO rest against the wall structure 78. Thus, when the flip-type closure 86 is raised as in Figure 3 the outside atmosphere is communicated with the space V-l in Figure 3 through channel 88. This container is made by locating the flip-type closure 86 in the mold and forming the container 70 around it. Thus, it will be understood from prior description that when container 70 is compressed, the level of liquid 84 below space V-l will rise and as sufficient pressure is applied, the fluid will be discharged through channel 88 in whatever quantity is desired. As the liquid 82 in the outer container reaches a near-empty condition, the sloping bottom wall 74 and wall structure 76 will enchance discharge of essentially all of the contents of the container. As pressure is relieved on container 70, atmospheric air will be drawn back into the container 70 through channel 88, will bubble chrough liquid 82, all of which takes place rapidly enabling the user to restore the closure 86 to its nested position.
Fiyures 5-10 are next described all of which are noted as being basically related to a third embodiment of the invention in which the container is designed to be filled with the container in what might be referred to as a vertical position and to be discharged with the container rotated 90 degrees to what can be referred to as a side dispensing position. A further characteristic of those forms of the invention illustrated in Figures 5-10 is that a cap, valve, discharge conduit and air chamber structure are all designed such that they can be formed as an integral unit separate and apart from the outer container for installation e-ither at the factory or by the consumer. Thus, by comparison, it will be noted that in Figures 1-~ and 11-12, later described, the air chamber and discharge structure are formed as part of the container structure and are thus fixed in position at the time of manufacture.
S~i7 Referring initially to Figure 5, a flexible wall container 90 during filling utilizes a removable cap-discharge structure 92 such that liquid 94 can be admitted through an opening 96. Structure 92 includes a cap 98 and on this a schematically illustrated flip-type closure 100 which communicates with a tube 102. Tube 102 in use, as in Figure 6 establishes the volume V-l and communicates with a channel 104 in closure 100. As best seen in Figure 6, the lower intake end of tube 102 is raised a predetermined distance above a sloping wall 106 such that the liquid 94 in container 90 seeks a predetermined level in space 110 below volume V-l allowing discharge of liquid 108 through the channel 104 when closure 100 is open and the compressible walls of container 90 are compressed with the sloping wall 106 facilitating emptying of the content.
As a variation on the construction illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, there is again somewhat diagrammatically illustrated a flexible wall container 120 in Figures 7 and 8 with Figure 7 representiny a ~illing position and Figure 8 an operating dispensing position. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 tube 122 forming part of the cap, closure and outlet structure 124 is made flexible and is positioned by means of an internally-formed guide baffle 126. Structure 124 thus can be entirely removed, (as illustrated by a somewhat similar embodiment in Figure 9) and the liquid 130 admitted to a desired level 132 after which a snap-on cap 134 forming part of the struc~ure 124 can be applied and at the same time the flexible tube 122 guided into position with the flip-type closure 140 remaining closed a~ this stage as illustrated in Figure 7. In use, the container is then brought to the position shown in Figure 8 adapted for dispensing through sidewall 144 through a channel 142 of closure 140 with a sloping wall 148 facilitating emptying of the contents of container 120.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a further variation in which a flexible wall container 160 is filled with liquid 162 1~'~'~
and the container is sealed by means of a removable cap 164.
Cap 164 can be a snap-on cap, puncture-type cap, or the like.
There is also shipped with the container 160 structure 166 comprising a snap-on cap 168, a schematically illustrated flip-type closure 170, and a discharge outlet tube 172 with the structure 166 being mounted in use as illustrated in Figure 10 and with the container 160 resting on bottom wall 174 for discharge through the sidewall of a container 176. The lower end of tube 172 is raised above bottom wall 174 as illustrated in Figure 10 to facilitate free communication of the liquid 162 between the outer container 176 and the inner container established by tube 172 and surrounding the space V-l. When container 176 is pressed, the liquid contents will thus be discharged through channel 178 and after use atmospheric air is automatically drawn back through channel 178 through space V-l and bubbles through the remaining liquid 162 in~o the space V-2 shown in Figure 10.
In the modification of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, a flexible walled container 200 uses a removable cap 202 foe purposes of being filled with liquid 204. An inner bell-type container 206 either has its lower open end raised above a bottom wall 208 or as intended to be illustrated in ; Fi-~ure 11 is provided with suitable openings 210 so as to communicate the liquid 204 in the outer container 200 with the liquid 212 confined in the inner container ~06. An adjustable outlet tube 220 mounts in a surrounding outlet structure 222 sealed to container 200. Tube 220 can be raised and lowered in the liquid 212 within the inner container 206. In use, positioning of tube 220 effectively controls the level at which liquid enters tube 220 and thus allows the amount of squeeze required on the flexible wall container 200 to be correlated with the position of tube 220. Furthermore, accommodation to temperature variations can be made simply by adjusting the position of tube 220 in or out dependent on whether the temperature is increasing or decreasing. Additionally, by 1~4~5~7 - lla -adding graduations on tube 220, as indicated in Figure 11, container 200 can be designed as a unit dispensing system for a given pressure change.
Figure 12, like Figure 3, illustrates a construction in which the container 225 is effectively pinched during molding along pinch lines 226, 227 in the manner in which handles are formed in plastic bottles and so as to form the internal air pocket space V-l utilizing the outer sidewall 230 as part of the air pocket chamber. In the same molding operation, an outlet 235 is formed and which may receive a cap, not shown, in addition to the filling cap 23~. Figure 12 thus represents an extremely simple sidewall dispensing construction according to the invention.
While not illustrated, it is, of course, recognized that any of the outlet arrangements could be arranged with appropriate orifices so as to induce a spray effect with selected liquids such as perfumes, deoderizers, and the like, if desired. The invention containers can also be squeezed when suspended.
~`7~
In all embodiment~ it will thu3 be appreciated that there has been provided a novel type dispen~ing container in which the liquid content~ can be di~pensed without lifting the container and through the sidewall a contrasted to lifting the container and dispen~ing through the top or hottom wall of the container a~ in the referenced prior art. Additionally, it can be noted that each of the embodiments provides the inner air space V-l with the level of the liquid below space V-l being controlled by the partial vacuum V-2 eatablished in all embodiment~ with the container sealed except for the outlet. The aidewall outlet in any of the several form~
described can thus be open but nevertheles~ with appropriate design will not drip or leak in 3pite of wide -variation3 in temperature ~o long as the container is not disturbed. All embodiments furthermore provide.the advantage of inherently guiding any ~xces~ fluid back into the space below the volume V-l whenever the compre~sion is released by the user. Thus, there i~ in effect a ~elf-cleaning action each tima the container i~ employed.
It will be appreciatecl that a cap is not essential to permit filling oE the container. Liquid could be .inserted through an opening during manufacture which is then sealed or the container could be filled in an inverted position, or any other position, the opening sealed and the container then righted.
Other advantage~ achieved by all of the embodiments include the fact that the discharge struature can be mounted within the container ~o as to minimize leakage and also the ~act that any of the illustrated sidewall discharge arrangements can be substantially varied in size so as to accommodate to either small or wide temperature variations according to the specific design of the practical emhodiment utilizing the lnvention. Additionally, the variou~
embodiments readily lend themselve~ to being made in a variety of -qhapes by high production technique.q and are adapted to be transported without leakage and over long distances between the point of maunfacture and the point of sale and with a range of liquidq of varying viscoqity. In all of the illustrated example~ of the invention, the air pocket chamber~ are formed within the container and are adapted to being formed as relatively thin wall chambers and with minimum use of material.
lo
Fiyures 5-10 are next described all of which are noted as being basically related to a third embodiment of the invention in which the container is designed to be filled with the container in what might be referred to as a vertical position and to be discharged with the container rotated 90 degrees to what can be referred to as a side dispensing position. A further characteristic of those forms of the invention illustrated in Figures 5-10 is that a cap, valve, discharge conduit and air chamber structure are all designed such that they can be formed as an integral unit separate and apart from the outer container for installation e-ither at the factory or by the consumer. Thus, by comparison, it will be noted that in Figures 1-~ and 11-12, later described, the air chamber and discharge structure are formed as part of the container structure and are thus fixed in position at the time of manufacture.
S~i7 Referring initially to Figure 5, a flexible wall container 90 during filling utilizes a removable cap-discharge structure 92 such that liquid 94 can be admitted through an opening 96. Structure 92 includes a cap 98 and on this a schematically illustrated flip-type closure 100 which communicates with a tube 102. Tube 102 in use, as in Figure 6 establishes the volume V-l and communicates with a channel 104 in closure 100. As best seen in Figure 6, the lower intake end of tube 102 is raised a predetermined distance above a sloping wall 106 such that the liquid 94 in container 90 seeks a predetermined level in space 110 below volume V-l allowing discharge of liquid 108 through the channel 104 when closure 100 is open and the compressible walls of container 90 are compressed with the sloping wall 106 facilitating emptying of the content.
As a variation on the construction illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, there is again somewhat diagrammatically illustrated a flexible wall container 120 in Figures 7 and 8 with Figure 7 representiny a ~illing position and Figure 8 an operating dispensing position. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 tube 122 forming part of the cap, closure and outlet structure 124 is made flexible and is positioned by means of an internally-formed guide baffle 126. Structure 124 thus can be entirely removed, (as illustrated by a somewhat similar embodiment in Figure 9) and the liquid 130 admitted to a desired level 132 after which a snap-on cap 134 forming part of the struc~ure 124 can be applied and at the same time the flexible tube 122 guided into position with the flip-type closure 140 remaining closed a~ this stage as illustrated in Figure 7. In use, the container is then brought to the position shown in Figure 8 adapted for dispensing through sidewall 144 through a channel 142 of closure 140 with a sloping wall 148 facilitating emptying of the contents of container 120.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a further variation in which a flexible wall container 160 is filled with liquid 162 1~'~'~
and the container is sealed by means of a removable cap 164.
Cap 164 can be a snap-on cap, puncture-type cap, or the like.
There is also shipped with the container 160 structure 166 comprising a snap-on cap 168, a schematically illustrated flip-type closure 170, and a discharge outlet tube 172 with the structure 166 being mounted in use as illustrated in Figure 10 and with the container 160 resting on bottom wall 174 for discharge through the sidewall of a container 176. The lower end of tube 172 is raised above bottom wall 174 as illustrated in Figure 10 to facilitate free communication of the liquid 162 between the outer container 176 and the inner container established by tube 172 and surrounding the space V-l. When container 176 is pressed, the liquid contents will thus be discharged through channel 178 and after use atmospheric air is automatically drawn back through channel 178 through space V-l and bubbles through the remaining liquid 162 in~o the space V-2 shown in Figure 10.
In the modification of the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 11, a flexible walled container 200 uses a removable cap 202 foe purposes of being filled with liquid 204. An inner bell-type container 206 either has its lower open end raised above a bottom wall 208 or as intended to be illustrated in ; Fi-~ure 11 is provided with suitable openings 210 so as to communicate the liquid 204 in the outer container 200 with the liquid 212 confined in the inner container ~06. An adjustable outlet tube 220 mounts in a surrounding outlet structure 222 sealed to container 200. Tube 220 can be raised and lowered in the liquid 212 within the inner container 206. In use, positioning of tube 220 effectively controls the level at which liquid enters tube 220 and thus allows the amount of squeeze required on the flexible wall container 200 to be correlated with the position of tube 220. Furthermore, accommodation to temperature variations can be made simply by adjusting the position of tube 220 in or out dependent on whether the temperature is increasing or decreasing. Additionally, by 1~4~5~7 - lla -adding graduations on tube 220, as indicated in Figure 11, container 200 can be designed as a unit dispensing system for a given pressure change.
Figure 12, like Figure 3, illustrates a construction in which the container 225 is effectively pinched during molding along pinch lines 226, 227 in the manner in which handles are formed in plastic bottles and so as to form the internal air pocket space V-l utilizing the outer sidewall 230 as part of the air pocket chamber. In the same molding operation, an outlet 235 is formed and which may receive a cap, not shown, in addition to the filling cap 23~. Figure 12 thus represents an extremely simple sidewall dispensing construction according to the invention.
While not illustrated, it is, of course, recognized that any of the outlet arrangements could be arranged with appropriate orifices so as to induce a spray effect with selected liquids such as perfumes, deoderizers, and the like, if desired. The invention containers can also be squeezed when suspended.
~`7~
In all embodiment~ it will thu3 be appreciated that there has been provided a novel type dispen~ing container in which the liquid content~ can be di~pensed without lifting the container and through the sidewall a contrasted to lifting the container and dispen~ing through the top or hottom wall of the container a~ in the referenced prior art. Additionally, it can be noted that each of the embodiments provides the inner air space V-l with the level of the liquid below space V-l being controlled by the partial vacuum V-2 eatablished in all embodiment~ with the container sealed except for the outlet. The aidewall outlet in any of the several form~
described can thus be open but nevertheles~ with appropriate design will not drip or leak in 3pite of wide -variation3 in temperature ~o long as the container is not disturbed. All embodiments furthermore provide.the advantage of inherently guiding any ~xces~ fluid back into the space below the volume V-l whenever the compre~sion is released by the user. Thus, there i~ in effect a ~elf-cleaning action each tima the container i~ employed.
It will be appreciatecl that a cap is not essential to permit filling oE the container. Liquid could be .inserted through an opening during manufacture which is then sealed or the container could be filled in an inverted position, or any other position, the opening sealed and the container then righted.
Other advantage~ achieved by all of the embodiments include the fact that the discharge struature can be mounted within the container ~o as to minimize leakage and also the ~act that any of the illustrated sidewall discharge arrangements can be substantially varied in size so as to accommodate to either small or wide temperature variations according to the specific design of the practical emhodiment utilizing the lnvention. Additionally, the variou~
embodiments readily lend themselve~ to being made in a variety of -qhapes by high production technique.q and are adapted to be transported without leakage and over long distances between the point of maunfacture and the point of sale and with a range of liquidq of varying viscoqity. In all of the illustrated example~ of the invention, the air pocket chamber~ are formed within the container and are adapted to being formed as relatively thin wall chambers and with minimum use of material.
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Claims (16)
1. A sidewall dispenser for dispensing liquid from an upright position, said dispenser comprising:
a) container means for receiving a supply of the liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top, defining a container interior;
b) an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
c) liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means;
d) outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means;
e) pressure increasing means operable for providing a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit; and f) liquid suck-back control means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means and being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet means and to cause an inrush of air as a result of operation of the liquid suck-back control means to positively drive liquid residue into said air pocket means to eliminate dripping from said outlet means.
a) container means for receiving a supply of the liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top, defining a container interior;
b) an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
c) liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means;
d) outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means;
e) pressure increasing means operable for providing a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit; and f) liquid suck-back control means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means and being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet means and to cause an inrush of air as a result of operation of the liquid suck-back control means to positively drive liquid residue into said air pocket means to eliminate dripping from said outlet means.
2. A sidewall dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said liquid passageway means extends susbstantially across the width of the interior of said container means at a location in proximity to said container base.
3. A sidewall dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said dispensing exit has means for receiving a closure to permit said exit to be opened and closed.
4. A sidewall dispenser as claimed in claim 2 wherein said dispensing exit has means for receiving a closure to permit said exit to be opened and closed.
5. A sidewall dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pressure increasing means is provided by said at least one sidewall being resilient, said resilient sidewall being responsive to a hand force to deform to provide said pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit and upon release of said hand force applied to said sidewall, said resilient sidewall returns to an undeformed shape, actuating said liquid suck-back control means for sucking-back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means into said air pocket means.
6. A sidewall dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said liquid pressure increasing means is provided by resilient bellows means located at the top of said container means and being integral with said at least one side wall, said resilient bellows means being depressable by a hand force to create a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit and after removal of said hand force said resilient bellows means returns to its original position and actuates said liquid suck-back means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means into said air pocket means.
7. A sidewall dispenser as claimed in claim 1 including outlet closure means associated with said outlet means, said outlet closure means being moveable between a first and a second position, wherein in said first position said closure means permits communication between said air pocket portion and the exterior of said container and in said second position said outlet closure means seals said container from said external atmosphere.
8. A sidewall dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container top has a neck through which liquid can be supplied into said container interior, and said neck having an associated cap for sealing said opening.
9. A sidewall dispenser for dispensing liquid products from a non-inverted position, said liquid dispenser comprising:
a) container means for receiving a supply of liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top, to define a container interior;
b) an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
c) liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means;
d) outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means;
e) pressure increasing means operable for providing a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit; and f) liquid suck-back control means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means and being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet means and to cause an inrush of air as a result of operation of the liquid suck-back control means to positively drive liquid residue into said air pocket means to eliminate dripping from said outlet means, the dispenser having, in an operative condition, a supply of liquid in said hollow container body, said supply of liquid having a liquid supply level spaced from said container top and said supply level and said container top defining a partial vacuum above said liquid supply level, said liquid passageway means providing liquid communication between the lower portion of said liquid in said container means and the air pocket portion, and liquid being present in said air pocket structure to provide said auxiliary body of liquid, said auxiliary body of liquid having an auxiliary liquid level, above which is said air pocket portion at atmospheric pressure, the auxiliary liquid level being controlled by the existance of said partial vacuum, by the viscosity of side liquid, and by the ambient temperature, the liquid sidewall dispenser having an amount of temperature compensation defined by the height between the auxiliary liquid level and the dispensing exit, and the air pocket structure being proportioned so that said temperature compensation is effective over a predetermined temperature range when said dispenser is almost empty, the arrangement being such that in operation, actuation of the pressure increasing means forces liquid out through said air pocket structure and said dispensing exit which is proportioned to provide suck-back sufficient to prevent dripping of said liquid following release of pressure and actuation of said liquid suck-back control meams, the energy of air replacing the dispensing liquid decreasing after it passes through said dispensing exit to cause said liquid in said outlet means to flow into said auxiliary body of liquid, the distance between said dispensing exit and said liquid passageway means being selected for the viscosity of liquid so as to cause air being sucked-back to force liquid from the outlet into the auxiliary body of liquid.
a) container means for receiving a supply of liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top, to define a container interior;
b) an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
c) liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means;
d) outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means;
e) pressure increasing means operable for providing a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit; and f) liquid suck-back control means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means and being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet means and to cause an inrush of air as a result of operation of the liquid suck-back control means to positively drive liquid residue into said air pocket means to eliminate dripping from said outlet means, the dispenser having, in an operative condition, a supply of liquid in said hollow container body, said supply of liquid having a liquid supply level spaced from said container top and said supply level and said container top defining a partial vacuum above said liquid supply level, said liquid passageway means providing liquid communication between the lower portion of said liquid in said container means and the air pocket portion, and liquid being present in said air pocket structure to provide said auxiliary body of liquid, said auxiliary body of liquid having an auxiliary liquid level, above which is said air pocket portion at atmospheric pressure, the auxiliary liquid level being controlled by the existance of said partial vacuum, by the viscosity of side liquid, and by the ambient temperature, the liquid sidewall dispenser having an amount of temperature compensation defined by the height between the auxiliary liquid level and the dispensing exit, and the air pocket structure being proportioned so that said temperature compensation is effective over a predetermined temperature range when said dispenser is almost empty, the arrangement being such that in operation, actuation of the pressure increasing means forces liquid out through said air pocket structure and said dispensing exit which is proportioned to provide suck-back sufficient to prevent dripping of said liquid following release of pressure and actuation of said liquid suck-back control meams, the energy of air replacing the dispensing liquid decreasing after it passes through said dispensing exit to cause said liquid in said outlet means to flow into said auxiliary body of liquid, the distance between said dispensing exit and said liquid passageway means being selected for the viscosity of liquid so as to cause air being sucked-back to force liquid from the outlet into the auxiliary body of liquid.
10. A sidewall dispenser for dispensing liquid products from a non-inverted position, said sidewall dispenser comprising:
container means for receiving a supply of the liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top to define a container interior;
an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means and said liquid passageway means extending substantially across the width of the interior of said container means;
outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means and said dispensing exit having means for receiving a closure;
pressure increasing means operable for providing a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit; and liquid suck-back control means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means being and proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet means and to cause an inrush of air as a result of operation of the liquid suck-back control means to positively drive liquid residue into said air pocket means to eliminate dripping from said outlet means.
container means for receiving a supply of the liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top to define a container interior;
an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means and said liquid passageway means extending substantially across the width of the interior of said container means;
outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means and said dispensing exit having means for receiving a closure;
pressure increasing means operable for providing a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit; and liquid suck-back control means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means being and proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet means and to cause an inrush of air as a result of operation of the liquid suck-back control means to positively drive liquid residue into said air pocket means to eliminate dripping from said outlet means.
11. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 10 wherein said pressure increasing means is provided by said at least one sidewall being resilient, said resilient sidewall being responsive to a hand force to deform to provide said pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit and upon release of said hand force applied to said sidewall, said resilient sidewall returns to an undeformed shape, actuating said liquid suck-back control means for sucking-back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means into said air pocket means.
12. A liquid dispenser as claimed in claim 10 wherein said liquid pressure increasing means is provided by resilient bellows means located at the top of said container means and being integral with said at least one side wall, said resilientlbellows means being depressable by a hand force to create a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit and after removal of said hand force said resilient bellows means returns to its original position and actuates said liquid suck-back means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means into said air pocket means.
13. A sidewall dispenser for dispensing liquid products from a non-inverted position, said dispenser liquid comprising:
container means for receiving a supply of the liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top, defining a container interior;
an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means;
outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit coupled thereto, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means and said dispensing exit having means for receiving a closure;
pressure increasing means operable for providing a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit; and liquid suck-back control means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means and being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet means and to cause an inrush of air as a result of operation of the liquid suck-back control means to positively drive liquid residue into said air pocket means to eliminate dripping from said outlet means, the dispenser having, in an operative condition, a supply of liquid in said hollow container body, said supply of liquid having a liquid supply level spaced from said container top and said supply level and said container top defining a partial vacuum above said liquid supply level, said liquid passageway means providing liquid communication between the lower portion of said liquid in said container means and the air pocket portion, and liquid being present in said air pocket structure to provide said auxiliary body of liquid, said auxiliary body of liquid having an auxiliary liquid level, above which is said air pocket portion at atmospheric pressure, the auxiliary liquid level being controlled by the existance of said partial vacuum. by the viscosity of said liquid and by the ambient temperature, said liquid sidewall dispenser having an amount of temperature compensation defined by the height between the liquid level and the dispensing exit, and the air pocket structure being proportioned so that said temperature compensation is effective over a predetermined temperature range when said dispenser is almost empty, the arrangement being such that in operation, a pressure increase within the container body forces liquid out through said dispensing exit and said air pocket structure and said dispensing exit also being proportioned to provide suck-back sufficient to prevent dripping of said liquid following release of pressure, the energy of air replacing the dispensing liquid decreasing after it passes through said dispensing exit to cause said liquid in said outlet means to flow into said auxiliary body of liquid, the distance between said dispensing exit and said liquid passageway means being selected for the viscosity of liquid so as to cause air being sucked-back to force liquid from the outlet into the auxiliary body of liquid.
container means for receiving a supply of the liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top, defining a container interior;
an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means;
outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit coupled thereto, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means and said dispensing exit having means for receiving a closure;
pressure increasing means operable for providing a pressure increase within said container means for causing liquid to be forced out of said dispensing exit; and liquid suck-back control means for sucking back liquid residue remaining in said outlet means and being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet means and to cause an inrush of air as a result of operation of the liquid suck-back control means to positively drive liquid residue into said air pocket means to eliminate dripping from said outlet means, the dispenser having, in an operative condition, a supply of liquid in said hollow container body, said supply of liquid having a liquid supply level spaced from said container top and said supply level and said container top defining a partial vacuum above said liquid supply level, said liquid passageway means providing liquid communication between the lower portion of said liquid in said container means and the air pocket portion, and liquid being present in said air pocket structure to provide said auxiliary body of liquid, said auxiliary body of liquid having an auxiliary liquid level, above which is said air pocket portion at atmospheric pressure, the auxiliary liquid level being controlled by the existance of said partial vacuum. by the viscosity of said liquid and by the ambient temperature, said liquid sidewall dispenser having an amount of temperature compensation defined by the height between the liquid level and the dispensing exit, and the air pocket structure being proportioned so that said temperature compensation is effective over a predetermined temperature range when said dispenser is almost empty, the arrangement being such that in operation, a pressure increase within the container body forces liquid out through said dispensing exit and said air pocket structure and said dispensing exit also being proportioned to provide suck-back sufficient to prevent dripping of said liquid following release of pressure, the energy of air replacing the dispensing liquid decreasing after it passes through said dispensing exit to cause said liquid in said outlet means to flow into said auxiliary body of liquid, the distance between said dispensing exit and said liquid passageway means being selected for the viscosity of liquid so as to cause air being sucked-back to force liquid from the outlet into the auxiliary body of liquid.
14. A sidewall dispenser for dispensing liquid products, said dispenser liquid comprising:
container means for receiving a supply of liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top to define a container interior;
an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means;
outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means.
container means for receiving a supply of liquid, said container means having a container base, a container top and at least one sidewall coupling said container base to said container top to define a container interior;
an air pocket means located within said container means at a portion adjacent the container base for containing an auxiliary body of the liquid, said air pocket means having a top portion, a bottom portion, a back wall portion spaced from said at least one sidewall, and a front wall portion, said back wall portion, said top portion and said front wall portion defining an air pocket portion within said air pocket means for retaining a pocket of air above said auxiliary body of said liquid;
liquid passageway means connecting the air pocket portion and the interior of said container means said liquid passageway means being located at said bottom portion of said air pocket means;
outlet means providing an exit from said air pocket means through a lower portion of said at least one sidewall, said outlet means being coupled to said air pocket means and being at a level above said liquid passageway means, said outlet means terminating in a liquid dispensing exit, said liquid dispensing exit being at substantially the same level as said outlet means.
15. A dispenser for dispensing liquids from the side of the dispenser in response to hand forces applied to the dispenser in an upright position, the dispenser comprising:
a container having a base and a resilient upright wall;
outlet control means attached to the resilient upright wall and positioned to receive liquid from the container immediately adjacent the bottom of the container, the outlet control means including an outlet through which liquid issues from the dispenser and air pocket means extending vertically downwards from the outlet with the dispenser in its upright position;
the upright resilient wall being deformable by said hand force to increase the pressure in the container to cause flow of liquid from the container, through the air pocket means and out of the dispenser via the outlet, the resilient wall providing pressure restoring means which, after deformation of the resilient wall to increase pressure to dispense liquid, the resilient wall returns to its original shape thereby causing pressure equalisation in the air pocket means by drawing air into the dispenser through the outlet; and said outlet being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced outwardly through the outlet and to permit an inrush of air as a result of the return of the resilient wall to its original shape to positively drive droplets of liquid back from the outlet into the air pocket means to thereby eliminate the risk of dripping from the outlet.
a container having a base and a resilient upright wall;
outlet control means attached to the resilient upright wall and positioned to receive liquid from the container immediately adjacent the bottom of the container, the outlet control means including an outlet through which liquid issues from the dispenser and air pocket means extending vertically downwards from the outlet with the dispenser in its upright position;
the upright resilient wall being deformable by said hand force to increase the pressure in the container to cause flow of liquid from the container, through the air pocket means and out of the dispenser via the outlet, the resilient wall providing pressure restoring means which, after deformation of the resilient wall to increase pressure to dispense liquid, the resilient wall returns to its original shape thereby causing pressure equalisation in the air pocket means by drawing air into the dispenser through the outlet; and said outlet being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced outwardly through the outlet and to permit an inrush of air as a result of the return of the resilient wall to its original shape to positively drive droplets of liquid back from the outlet into the air pocket means to thereby eliminate the risk of dripping from the outlet.
16. A dispenser for dispensing liquids from the side of the dispenser in response to hand forces applied to the dispenser in an upright position, the dispenser comprising:
a container having a base and an upright wall, a bellows means being coupled to said upright wall;
outlet control means attached to the upright wall and positioned to receive liquid from the container immediately adjacent the bottom of the container, the outlet control means including an outlet through which liquid issues from the dispenser and air pocket means extending vertically downwards from the outlet with the dispenser in its upright position;
the bellows means being depressable by said hand force to increase the pressure in the container to cause flow of liquid from the container, through the air pocket means and out of the dispenser through the outlet, the bellows being resilient to return to the original shape after release of said hand force so that after depression of the bellows to dispense liquid, the return of the bellows to the original shape causes pressure equalisation in the air pocket means by drawing air into the dispenser through the outlet;
said outlet being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet and to permit an inrush of air as a result of the operation of the bellows returning to its original undeformed shape to positively drive droplets of liquid back from the outlet into the air pocket means to thereby eliminate the risk of dripping from the outlet.
a container having a base and an upright wall, a bellows means being coupled to said upright wall;
outlet control means attached to the upright wall and positioned to receive liquid from the container immediately adjacent the bottom of the container, the outlet control means including an outlet through which liquid issues from the dispenser and air pocket means extending vertically downwards from the outlet with the dispenser in its upright position;
the bellows means being depressable by said hand force to increase the pressure in the container to cause flow of liquid from the container, through the air pocket means and out of the dispenser through the outlet, the bellows being resilient to return to the original shape after release of said hand force so that after depression of the bellows to dispense liquid, the return of the bellows to the original shape causes pressure equalisation in the air pocket means by drawing air into the dispenser through the outlet;
said outlet being proportioned with a cross-section sufficient to permit liquid to be forced through the outlet and to permit an inrush of air as a result of the operation of the bellows returning to its original undeformed shape to positively drive droplets of liquid back from the outlet into the air pocket means to thereby eliminate the risk of dripping from the outlet.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000452585A CA1247567A (en) | 1984-04-24 | 1984-04-24 | Dispensing container for liquid products |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000452585A CA1247567A (en) | 1984-04-24 | 1984-04-24 | Dispensing container for liquid products |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1247567A true CA1247567A (en) | 1988-12-28 |
Family
ID=4127714
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000452585A Expired CA1247567A (en) | 1984-04-24 | 1984-04-24 | Dispensing container for liquid products |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1247567A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-04-24 CA CA000452585A patent/CA1247567A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |