CA2436634A1 - Paste dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of and apparatus for dispensing paste from a collapsible container elongate about an axis from a first closed end to a second open end, the method comprising rotating one of the first end and second end relative to the other to twist the container about the axis, thereby collapsing the container, compressing paste contained therein and extruding the paste from the second open end.

Description

Title PASTE DISPENSER
Scope of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to material dispensers and, more particularly, to a dispenser for dispensing paste-like material from a tubular container by twisting of the tubular container.
Background of the Invention [0002] Various dispensers such as cocking guns are adapted for dispensing paste in which a piston displaces the paste from a cylindrical tube. Soap dispensers are known in which soap and other fluids may be dispensed from containers as by the activation of a manually operated or automated pump.

[0003] Prior art devices such as piston driven cocking gun type mechanisms and liquid pumps are not conveniently adaptable for controlled, manual or automated dispensing of pastes.
Summary of the Invention [0004] To at least partially overcome these disadvantages of previously known devices, the present invention provides a simplified arrangement for dispensing material from a deformable container by collapsing the container through twisting.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a simplified dispenser for materials and, more particularly, for pastes or viscous fluids.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus adapted to collapse a tube by twisting the same.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of and apparatus for dispensing paste from a collapsible container elongate about an axis from a first closed end to a second open end, the method comprising rotating one of the first end and second end relative to the other to twist the container about the axis, thereby collapsing the container, compressing paste contained therein and extruding the paste from the second open end.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention provides a dispenser for material comprising:

[0009] a collapsible container elongate about an axis from a first end to a second end, [0010] the container closed but for an outlet open at one of the first end and the second end, [0011] a housing to receive the container with the first end of the container secured to the housing substantially against rotation about the axis relative to the housing, [0012] the second end of the container secured in the housing journalled for rotation about the axis in a first direction and against rotation in an opposite direction to the first direction, [0013] an activation mechanism for rotating the second end of the container in the one direction, whereby rotating the second end of the container about the axis twists the container about the axis compressing material therein and extruding the material from the outlet.
Brief Description of the Drawings [0014] Figure 1 is a schematic exploded view of a dispenser in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional front view of the dispenser of Figure 1;

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along section line 3-3' in Figure 2;

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic pictorial view of selected components of the dispenser of Figure 1 with the tube in a filled condition;

[0018) Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 4, however, after the tube has been twisted for dispensing fluids;

[0019] Figure 6 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 4, however, showing the use of a motor rather than a lever;

[0020] Figure 7 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 6, however, showing a single motor as adapted to simultaneously dispense from two tubes;

[0021] Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7 for dispensing from two tubes but with two levers for manual dispensing;

[0022] Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8, however, showing the use of three levers;

[0023] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a tube for use in the present invention which tube is adapted to carry two products;

[0024] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view along section line 11-11' of Figure 10;

[0025] Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 6 but of another embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Drawings [0026] Further aspects and advantageous of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0027] Reference is made first to Figures 1 to 5 which show a first embodiment in accordance with the present invention and in which a dispenser 10 is shown comprising a housing 12 within which a paste filled container 18 is to be received. The housing 12 is shown as having a rear wall 20, two side walls 22 and 24 and a floor 26. A
cylindrical opening 28 extends downwardly through the floor. The container 18 comprises a cylindrical tube 30 held closed at a first upper end 32 by a closure pin 34 and having an open, second lower end 36 received in a cap 38.

[0028] The second end 36 of the tube 30 presents an outlet from the tube 30 which is sealably secured to the cap 36 in communication with an inlet opening to the cap 38 to an internal passageway 40 through the cap to an outlet nozzle 42 from which material is to be dispensed. Preferably, as best seen in Figures 2 and 3, a one-way valve is provided in the nozzle 42 comprising a plurality of resilient flexible vanes 46 which are biased to assume a closed position as shown in Figure 3 yet will deflect away from their mutual edges to permit material to be dispensed outwardly.

[0029] As best seen in Figure 2, the tube 30 extends from the first end 32 to the second end 36 about an axis 48. The tube 30 is a cylindrical tube coaxially about the axis 48. The cap 38 externally carries an upper bearing flange SO and a lower bearing flange S I each of which have surfaces which are disposed coaxially about the axis 48. The cap 38 also carnes a radially outwardly extending activation flange S2 which carries gear teeth S3 on its perimeter.

[0030] The side wall 24 has a bore S4 and two locating holes S3 and SS in which there is mounted a activation mechanism comprising a bevel gear S6 mounted on an axle S8 to be journalled within the bore S4. A ratchet mechanism S8 is provided which has a fixed disc 60 fixably coupled to the housing side wall 24 by pins S9 and 61 being received in holes S3 and SS. The axle S6 extends through the fixed disc 60 and is fixedly coupled to a one-way rotatable clutch disc 62. The clutch disc 62 may rotate with the gear S6 only in one direction relative the fixed disc 60. A ratchet lever 63 and its disc 64 is journalled to the clutch disc 62 for rotation about the same axis as the axle S8. The ratchet lever 63 on rotation of the lever 63 in one direction causes rotation of the gear S6 the same direction. On rotation of the lever 63 in the other direction, the lever 63 rotates, however, the clutch disc 62 does not rotate. Rotation of the lever 63 in a first direction will rotate the clutch disc and thereby the axle and the gear 56 in the one direction. On rotation of the lever in the other direction, the lever and its disk 64 will move in that direction, however, the clutch disc 62, axle and gear S6 will not rotate in the other direction and their position will remain unchanged.

(0031] In an assembled condition as shown in Figure 2, via movement of the lever 63 in one direction, the gear 56 will engage the activation flange S2 and thus rotate the cap 38 and, hence, the second end 36 of the tube 30 relative to the first end 32.

(0032] Assembly of the dispenser of Figure 1 is accomplished by locating the container 18 within the housing 12 and moving it vertically downwardly so as to locate the lower bearing flange S 1 within the opening 28 in the floor 26.
Subsequently, a slide plate 65 is slid horizontally into two slots 66 and 68 in the side walls 22 and 24. The slide plate 65 has a U-shaped interior bearing surface 70 which closely engages the upper bearing flange 50. As seen in Figure 2, the cap 38 is secured to the housing 12 journalled for rotation about the axis 48 by reason of the lower bearing flange 51 being journalled within the opening 28 of the floor 26 and the upper bearing flange being journalled within the bearing surfaces 70 of the slide plate 65. As well, the cap 38 is located against movement axially relative to the housing 12 as with the activation flange 52 extending below the slide plate 64 and a shoulder 71 engaging the floor 26.

[0033] It will be appreciated that in vertically sliding the container 18 down into the opening 28 of the housing base 14, that the gear teeth 53 on the activation flange 52 come into engagement with the gear 56.

[0034] At an upper end of the housing, the side walls 22 and 24 have holes 72 and 73 there through within which a support rod 74 extends. A metal retaining spring 76 has a helical coil 78 to extend about the support rod 74 and two hook arms 80 and 82 which extend away from the coil at each end thereof. The hook arms 80 and 82 engage about the distal ends 84 and 86 of the closure pin 34 which is fixably secured to and closes, as by clamping, the upper end 32 of the tube 30.

[0035] The metal retaining spring 76 thus engages the first end of the container 18 and substantially prevents the same from rotating about the axis 48. Since the coil 78 is journalled on the support rod 74, the relative height of the closure pin 34 is permitted to change depending upon the angular orientation of the hook arms relative to the support rod 74. This permits variance of the relative height of the closure pin 34 and thus the first end 32 of the container 18 relative to the second end 36.

(0036] With rotation of the cap 38, the second end 36 of the tube 30 is rotated relative to the first end 32. With rotation of the tube 30 about the axis 48, the tube becomes twisted and contracts thus applying pressure to the material within the tube such that material under pressure becomes extruded from the nozzle 42 out of a one-way valve.
Figure 5 illustrates a condition in which the cap 38 been rotated and thus the tube 30 has become twisted and is compressed.

[0037] The tube 30 preferably comprises a relatively flexible tube of plastic film, however, may comprise any material which permits twisting to pressurize the material therein without rupturing. For certain materials, cloth or fabrics or composite flexible sheet like films may be used.

[0038] In the preferred embodiment, the second end 36 of the tube 30 is shown as secured to the interior surface of the cap 38 as by gluing or welding. The closure pin is shown as a tube-like member with an axially extending slot to receive the first end of the tube 30 therein and to be crimped upon the tube to close the same. The closure pin 34 may be secured onto the tube 30 via adhesion or welding or by a mechanical clasp. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure I, the container 18 comprises an integral element which is intended for replacement and disposal whenever the material from the container may be fully dispensed. Preferably, therefore, the entirety of the tube 30, the closure pin 34 and the cap 38 may comprise recyclable plastic materials.

[0039] In accordance with other embodiments of the present invention, rather than the closure pin 34 comprising a disposable plastic portion the container 18, the closure pin may comprise for example an elongate cylindrical metal rod with a slot through one side of the tube which may be slid from one side over a flat closed end seam of the closure tube to retain the same against rotation. Similarly, the second end 36 of the tube 30 may be removably secured to the cap 38. For example, the second end 30 of the tube may be welding or bonded to a threaded end adapted to be threadably received into an inlet of the cap 38. Thus, such an arrangement, assembly and disassembly could require threading a new tube 30 into the inlet end of the cap 38 and applying a reusable metal closure pin 34.
The new tube 30 could be entirely recyclable material such as plastic or cloth. Many modifications and variations will occur to persons skilled in the art.

[0040] Reference is made to Figure 6 which schematically illustrates a container 18 the same as that shown in Figure 1 to 5, however, having slightly modified gear teeth 56 on the actuation flange 52. In Figure 6, a motor 88 is illustrated having a drive axle 58 to which a drive gear 56 is coupled. Activation of the motor 88 rotates the gear 56 to rotate the actuation flange 52 and hence rotate the container to dispense fluid. The motor may preferably be an electric motor which may be activated in known manners as by a user pressing a dispense button or by a touchless activation mechanism which would, for example, sense the presence of an object under the nozzle 42. The motor may be driven by electricity from an AC circuit or from batteries. A controller may preferably be provided for the motor. The controller would rotate the container a suitable amount to dispense an individual dosage or allotment of material. Depending upon the nature of the tube and the characteristics of pressure created in the tube upon rotation of the tube, the amount of material which is dispensed with rotation may vary depending upon the extent to which the tube has been twisted from a full position to a substantially twisted empty position. A control mechanism could be arranged to keep track of when a new tube is added and the extent to which the tube has been rotated so as to vary the relative rotation with each successive usage so as to provide for equal dispensed dosages at any time during empting of the tube. As well, the control mechanism may signal when the tube is fully twisted.

(0041] The motor preferably has a gear reduction mechanism to provide with a compact and inexpensive low power motor with adequate power to rotate the tube.

[0042] Reference is made to Figure 7 which schematically shows an arrangement in which a dispenser is to have two containers 18 and 118 mounted with the actuation flange 52 of each to be engaged by a gear 56 driven by a single motor 88. One of the containers would be rotated in one direct and the other container would be rotated in the other direction for simultaneous dispensing of material from both containers via their nozzles.
While not shown, both the nozzles could join into a single nozzle outlet or at least dispense at substantially the same location as, for example, to apply onto a user's hand or into the same receptacle.

[0043] Reference is made to Figure 8 which shows an arrangement in which two containers 18 and 118 are arranged in the same dispenser for dispensing by manually activated levers similar to that shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5.
Two ratchet levers are schematically illustrated. A first lever 63 may independently be operated so as to dispense fluid from the container 18. The first lever has a tab 90 which extends behind a second lever 163. Activation of the second lever 163 will also necessarily move the first lever 63.

[0044] Reference is made to Figure 9 which shows an arrangement similar to that in Figure 8, however, in which there are three levers. A first lever 63 merely activates dispensing from the first container 18. A second lever 163 merely activates dispensing from the second container 118. A third intermediate 263 lever when activated will move both of the other levers and thus provide for simultaneous dispensing from both containers.

[0045] Reference is made to Figure 10 which illustrates a cross-sectional view through a container 218 in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. The container 218 comprises two coaxial cylindrical tubes namely a first outer tube 30 and a second inner tube 230. The tubes are coaxial about an axis 48 and the inner tube 230 is coaxially received within the outer tube 30. Both tubes are closed at their first ends 32 by a closure pin 34. A cap 38 is engaged on the second end 36 of the tubes.

[0046] A first material is received within an inner compartment 96 formed within the inner tube 230. A second material is received within an annular outer compartment 100 defined in the annular space between the inner tube 230 and the outer tube 30.

[0047] The cap 38 is formed with an inner passageway 40 in communication with the inner compartment 96 and with an annular outer passageway 140 in communication with an annular outer compartment 100. Each of the passageways 40 and 140 open to a common nozzle 42 with a one-way valve. On relative rotation of the second end of the container 18, compressive forces are applied to the materials in both the inner compartment 96 and the outer compartment 98 and hence both materials will be simultaneously dispensed. The quantity of each of the two components which will be dispensed will depend upon various factors including the relative viscosity of each of the two components and the resistance to flow through the two passageways 40 and 140.
Dispensing such that the quantity of one component dispensed bears a relatively fixed proportion to the quantity of the other component dispensed can be arranged with knowledge of their relative viscosities and by suitable selection of the relative size of the two passageways 40 and 140 and thus the resistance to flow there through.

[0048] Reference is made to Figure 12 which schematically shows an embodiment similar to that in Figure 6, however, in which the container 18 has a journalled gear 52 secured to a closed first end 32 of a tube 30 and dispensing is from an outlet nozzle 42 at a second end 36 of the tube. A motor 88 is provided to rotate the gear 52 and the first end 32 relative the second end 36. The second end 36 may be held against rotation but may be permitted to slide axially.

[0049] Dispensers in accordance with the present invention are adapted to dispense a wide variety of flowable products including liquids, slurries and flowable particulate solid matters. Such products include highly viscous toothpaste, engine oil, lubricating oil, epoxy resins, lard, mustard, ketchup, honey, granular pumice soap, paint, paint tints, icing, cleansers, caulking compounds and roofing tar.

[0050] The tube illustrated in the preferred embodiment is cylindrical about the axis 48. Other preferred configurations include a tube which is circular in any cross-sectional normal the axis, and a tube which is frusto-conical about the axis. The tube may have any shape which accommodates extrusion of material therefrom on twisting of the tube.
Shapes which are not coaxial to the axis 48 may be used. The tube may be formed as by extrusion processes. Tubes which are multiple layer and formed by co-extrusion may have enhanced permeability and strength characteristics, yet are inexpensive.
To prevent twisting from causing closure of the tube with substantial material trapped upstream therefrom, a mechanism like a helical coil spring may be provided to extend axially through the tube.

[0051] While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, many modifications and variations will now occur to persons skilled in the art. For a definition of the invention reference is made to the appending claims.

Claims (13)

1. WE CLAIM:
   A dispenser for material comprising:
   a collapsible container elongate about an axis from a first end to a second end, the container closed but for an outlet open at one of the first end and the second end, a housing to receive the container with the first end of the container secured to the housing substantially against rotation about the axis relative to the housing, the second end of the container secured in the housing journalled for rotation about the axis in a first direction and against rotation in an opposite direction to the first direction, an activation mechanism for rotating the second end of the container in the one direction, whereby rotating the second end of the container about the axis twist the container about the axis compressing material therein and extruding the material from the outlet.
2. 2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container comprises a tube elongate about the axis.
3. 3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein the container comprises a tube selected from a tube which is circular in cross-section about the axis, a tube which is cylindrical about the axis, and a tube which is frusto-conical about the axis.
4. 4. A dispenser as claimed in claim 3 wherein the container carries a cap secured to the tube at the second end for rotation therewith about the axis in the one direction, the cap carrying bearing surfaces to engage bearing surfaces of the housing and journal the cap to the housing for rotation about the axis, the cap having an inlet opening securely receiving the second end of the tube and in communication with the outlet of the container, the cap having an outlet nozzle out of which material is to be dispensed, the inlet opening of the cap in communication with the outlet nozzle.
5. 5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4 including a ratchet mechanism which provides for rotation of the container in the first direction and prevents rotation of the container in the opposite direction.
6. 6. A dispenser as claimed in claim 5 wherein the cap carries an activation flange which extends radially outwardly from the cap about the axis so as to present an activation surface which is generally cylindrically about the axis and adapted for engagement to rotate the container in the first direction.
7. 7. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 including a retainer mechanism carried in the housing to secure the first end of the container to the housing against rotation of the first end of the container relative to the second end of the container.
8. 8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 7 wherein the cap and the retainer mechanism are mounted in the housing such that the axial distance therebetween may vary to accommodate changes in the length of the container with rotation of the second end of the container in the first direction.
9. 9. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8 wherein the cap carries a radially outwardly extending substantially cylindrical flange carrying gear teeth thereon for engagement by an activation mechanism to rotate the cap.
10. 10. A dispenser as claimed in claim 9 wherein the activation mechanism is selected from a manually operated lever connected via a ratchet mechanism to a drive gear engaging the gear teeth on the cap and a motor operatively coupled to a drive gear engaging the gear teeth on the cap.
11. 11. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 including two said containers independently mounted for rotation about their respective axes with the activation mechanism selected from one which provides independent rotation of each container and simultaneous rotation of both containers.
12. 12. A dispenser a claimed in claim 1 wherein the container comprises an outer cylindrical tubular member and an inner cylindrical tubular member, the inner tubular member being coaxially received within the outer tubular member, each of the first and second tubular members being closed at the first end and open at the second end to the outlet, a first material containment compartment being formed internally within the inner tubular member, a second material compartment being formed within an annular space in between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member, wherein rotation of the second end of the tube relative to the first end extrudes both the first material and the second material from the outlet of the tube simultaneously.
13. 13. A dispenser as claimed in claim 4 including a one-way valve in the outlet nozzle of the cap permitting flow of material outwardly from the cap.