EP0011394A1 - Dispositif distributeur - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP0011394A1
EP0011394A1 EP79302283A EP79302283A EP0011394A1 EP 0011394 A1 EP0011394 A1 EP 0011394A1 EP 79302283 A EP79302283 A EP 79302283A EP 79302283 A EP79302283 A EP 79302283A EP 0011394 A1 EP0011394 A1 EP 0011394A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
closure
container
opening
bladder
dispensing apparatus
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP79302283A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0011394B1 (fr
Inventor
John Joseph Mueller
Glenn L. Beall
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Containaire Inc
Original Assignee
Containaire Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US05/956,236 external-priority patent/US4239132A/en
Application filed by Containaire Inc filed Critical Containaire Inc
Publication of EP0011394A1 publication Critical patent/EP0011394A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0011394B1 publication Critical patent/EP0011394B1/fr
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0059—Components or details allowing operation in any orientation, e.g. for discharge in inverted position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/02—Membranes or pistons acting on the contents inside the container, e.g. follower pistons
    • B05B11/026—Membranes separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • B05B11/047—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles characterised by the outlet or venting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • B05B11/048—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles characterised by the container, e.g. this latter being surrounded by an enclosure, or the means for deforming it
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/20—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge
    • B65D47/2018—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure
    • B65D47/2056—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type
    • B65D47/2081—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps comprising hand-operated members for controlling discharge comprising a valve or like element which is opened or closed by deformation of the container or closure lift valve type in which the deformation raises or lowers the valve port
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0037—Containers
    • B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
    • B05B11/0041—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure without contact of the fluid remaining in the container with the atmospheric air

Definitions

  • This invention relates to dispensers and more specifically to structure that converts a flexible, resilient, container into a squeeze-type dispenser in which a flexible bladder within the container receives ambient displacement fluid when contents of the container is dispensed.
  • the disclosed structures have the disadvantage of requiring a separate inlet to the container to facilitate keeping the displacement fluid separate from the contents.
  • special containers must be made or closures are required that have an extra inlet and different appearance from caps of dispensers lacking the advantageous features of the patented devices.
  • the use of a special container is particularly disadvantageous and was avoided by the closure member disclosed in said patent 3,656,660.
  • the closure member disclosed included substantial structural modifications and additional apparatus, including a housing for a collapsed bladder, a separate aperture communicating to the bladder, and flexible fingers to constrain the bladder during expansion. This structure has not proved as practical from a production and marketing standpoint as desired.
  • dispensing valve structure in the disclosed dispensers interfered with the flow of the dispensed contents, which did not flow in a well defined stream. While that disadvantage can be overcome by recessing the valve from the outlet opening, dispensed material may accumulate in the outlet beyond the valve and harden into a plug and/or become unsanitary, depending upon the nature of the material.
  • the present invention is exemplified by structure that supports a flexible displacement bladder for a flexible resilient container centrally of a dispensing closure member and that provides a valved inlet passageway to the bladder through one of the two inherent openings of the closure member; i.e., through the opening at which the closure member is attached to the container, or through the dispensing opening.
  • the bladder is constructed to expand within the container from an inflow of displacement fluid to maintain the contents adjacent the dispensing opening.
  • the dispensing opening of the closure member is constructed to permit only outflow of contents from the container, for example, by incorporating a one-way valve or by being capable of retaining a portion of a viscous contents as a plug.
  • Conduit-forming structure provides an inlet passageway that communicates between the bladder and the outside of the closure member through either the juncture between the closure member and container, or through a separate conduit associated with the discharge opening.
  • a one-way or so-called check valve associated with the conduit-forming inlet structure permits inflow to and prevents outflow from the bladder.
  • the conduit-forming inlet structure is incorporated into a separate intermediate structure secured between the container and the closure.
  • the intermediate structure preferably has an annular washer-like, portion located between the opening of the container and the closure member to seal the juncture between the two and to secure the member firmly in place.
  • a passage through the intermediate structure is isolated from the contents of the container, by-passes either the sealed juncture or the seal at the dispensing opening, and communicates between the exterior of the closure and the bladder.
  • a clearance between the closure and container along the threads provides a path from the exterior side to the interior side of the intermediate structure and the seal formed thereby. Displacement air can then enter the interior of the container through the passage.
  • a conduit forming part of the intermediate structure extends the passage to a location centrally of the closure and connects to the interior of the bladder.
  • the check valve that prevents outflow from the bladder is located in the conduit portion of the intermediate structure.
  • flow of displacement fluid into the bladder is through intermediate structure that communicates through the discharge outlet of the closure member.
  • the intermediate structure may advantageously form a part of the discharge valve structure.
  • the intermediate structure in part forms a stationary post relative to which a portion of the closure member moves.
  • the movable portion includes the dispensing opening and provides a fluid-tight seal with the post at one extreme of its movement to prevent entry of displacement fluid directly into the container, without interfering with flow into the bladder within the container through the inlet passage. At the other extreme of its movement it provides an opening through which the contents of the container can be dispensed. Movement is permitted by a flexible portion of the closure member.
  • the closure shapes the stream at the dispensing opening by defining a passage beyond the post, and any material remaining in the passage is cleared by the post as the closure returns to its sealing position.
  • the opening can be shaped as desired, e.g., it can be circular or elongated transversely of the flow to form a viscous contents into a ribbon form.
  • One variation contemplated is an intermediate member of a cap-like structure that in part forms a discharge passage and that is secured directly to a container, as by a threaded portion.
  • the cap-like structure includes an integral center post and a longitudinal passage through the post to the bladder by which the bladder communicates to the exterior of the container.
  • a closure that also in part forms the discharge opening is supported on the cap-like structure surrounding the post, and is movable longitudinally thereof.
  • the cap-like structure forms a movable spout about the post.
  • a seat portion of the closure forms a seal with the post in one position of the closure and provides an opening about the post for the discharge of the container contents through the spout in a second position longitudinally displaced from the first.
  • the closure is yieldably biased to the first position and moves to the second in response to an increase in the internal pressure of the container, as when it is squeezed.
  • Displacement fluid enters the bladder via the passage that opens through the outer end of the post and is controlled by a one way valve located at some point along the passage to the bladder.
  • a tube is provided in the bladder, communicating with the inlet passage through the cap.
  • the tube is constructed to control the air entry point within the bladder, to facilitate insertion of the bladder into the container, and to promote orderly expansion of the bladder by restraining it longitudinally within the container.
  • the container, closure member and bladder form a dispenser of the constant volume type, which is divided into two separate zones, one for the material being dispensed and one for air or other fluid to displace the dispensed material.
  • the respective volumes of the two zones vary inversely as the outer container, originally full of material to be dispensed, is emptied through use.
  • closure structure and intermediate members are contemplated to provide particular features and structural variants of the basic elements.
  • the specific embodiments referred to as well as possible variations and the various features and advantages of this invention will become better understood from the detailed description that follows, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
  • a dispenser 10 is shown in Fig. 1, which includes a flexible, resilient container, such as a plastic bottle 12, having an opening 13; a closure member 14; an intermediate member 16 between the closure member 14 and container 12; and a flexible, expansible bladder 18 secured to and depending from the intermediate member 16 and extending downwardly into the container 12.
  • the closure member 14 includes a dispensing outlet 19, which together with the in-' termediate member 16, forms a one-way discharge valve 20.
  • the intermediate member 16 includes a one-way inlet valve 22 to the bladder 18 within a conduit 17 for bringing displacement air from outside the dispenser 10 to the bladder within the container, through an open end 23 of the closure member 14 that receives the open end of the container 12.
  • Fig. 1 is filled with flowable contents C to be dispensed and the bladder 18 is essentially empty.
  • Fig. 2 the dispenser is shown in a substantially empty condition, in which the bladder 18 is filled with displacing fluid, such as air, which has maintained the remaining contents C adjacent the dispensing outlet 19 of the closure member.
  • displacing fluid such as air
  • the closure member 14 includes a cap portion 24 with a threaded skirt 25 and a spout portion 26 that terminates in the dispensing outlet 19 for discharging flowable contents from the dispenser.
  • the one-way discharge valve 20 includes a seat 21 that forms a seal in the spout portion 26 at the discharge orifice 19.
  • the valve 20 is constructed to allow flow from the dispenser in response to increased internal pressure, but to prevent inward flow of displacement fluid when the pressure within the dispenser is decreased.
  • the outer surface of the spout portion 26 can frictionally retain a shipping cap (not shown), which prevents inadvertent discharge of the contents.
  • the one-way valve 20 in the preferred embodiment results from the cooperation of the spout structure 26 and seat 21 with a post portion 30 of the intermediate member 16.
  • the closure member includes a thin, resilient, diaphragm-like, annular portion 32 between the threaded skirt 25 and the spout portion 26 that will deflect to move the spout and seat longitudinally of the post 30.
  • the spout wall is relatively thin adjacent the juncture with the diaphragm portion, providing flexibility that facilitates the movement of the spout.
  • the seat 21 In the closed condition shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the seat 21 is held against the end of the post under tension created by the relative lengths of the post and spout and the resilience of the annular diaphragm portion 32.
  • the seat provides an effective seal.
  • Increased internal pressure within the dispenser will deflect the diaphragm to move the spout and seat longitudinally away from the end of the spout to allow outward flow of the contents.
  • the resilience of the portion 32 returns the seat to its sealing relationship slightly before equalization of pressure on opposite sides of the closure is reached.
  • the intermediate member 16 in addition to partially forming the discharge valve 20, serves as a seal between the closure member and container and also as a conduit communicating between the bladder 18 and the outside of the dispenser 10.
  • the member 16 has a circular support portion 40 of a diameter comparable to that of the opening 13 of the container.
  • the portion 40 supports the post 30 and provides a seal between the opening 13 and the cap portion 24 of the closure member.
  • the post is supported centrally of the circular portion 40 by three radial spokes 41, 42, 43 (Fig. 6) and extends perpendicularly from the plane of the circular portion and spokes into the spout portion 26.
  • a cavity 44 is formed in a central hub 45 that is also supported by the spokes 41, 42, 43 and extends in the opposite direction from the post, i.e., toward the interior of the container 12.
  • the cavity 44 receives and supports the valve 22 and one end of the bladder 18.
  • a passage 46 forming a part of the conduit 17 extends from the cavity 44 through the radial spoke portion 41 and terminates in an orifice 49 at the outer peripheral surface 51 of the circular portion 40.
  • An internal tapered surface 48 of the cavity 44 functions as a valve seat for the one-way inlet valve 22 and a circumferentially ribbed internal surface 50 receives and supports a tubular portion of the bladder structure.
  • the circular portion 40 of the intermediate member has a smooth upper surface 40a that faces the cap portion 24 and a smooth lower surface 40b that rests against the end of the container at the opening 13.
  • a resilient surface can be provided on the surfaces 40a, 40b or on the cap or container portions against which they abut, if desired.
  • a circular flange 52 depends from the lower surface 40b, of a diameter smaller than that of the peripheral surface 51, sized to fit securely (i.e., a friction fit) within the opening 13 of the container to centrally locate and retain the intermediate member 16. This facilitates subsequent application of the cap and is particularly advantageous if the intermediate member and bladder are inserted prior to filling the container with its contents because the parts will remain in the desired relationship during transporting, filling and capping.
  • the outer peripheral surface 51 is encircled by an internal cylindrical wall 54 (Fig. 5) of the cap portion.
  • the wall 54 is uniformly spaced from the surface 51 by circumferentially spaced projections 56 that contact the surface 51.
  • the passage 46 through the intermediate member 16 by-passes the seal to communicate between the bladder 18 within the container and the atmosphere outside the container, through a clearance gap 59 (See Fig. 7) along the respective threads of the closure member and container.
  • the clearance gap 59 provides a helical path from the lower portion of the threaded skirt 25 to the outer surface 51 of the circular portion 40, where it communicates with the orifice 49 and passage 46 to the cavity 44 and bladder 13, through the one-way inlet valve 22.
  • the valve 22 includes a tapered valve head 60, a supporting ring 62 and helical spring strips 64 between the two, yieldably urging the valve head 60 against the internal seating surface 48 of the cavity 44.
  • the valve is a one-piece plastic injection molded part.
  • the supporting ring 62 is located against a shoulder 66 in the cavity, the distance between the shoulder and the seating surface 58 being such that the spring strips yieldably urge the valve head 60 into seating relationship under sufficient force to maintain an adequate seal to prevent fluid passage in a direction outwardly from the cavity through the passage 46 while allowing in-flow in response to the tendency of the container to return to its original configuration after being squeezed.
  • the bladder 18 is comprised of a flexible pouch in the form of a thin-walled plastic bag 72.
  • a plastic tube 74 to which it is secured by a thickened portion 75 that surrounds the tube in a sealed relationship.
  • the tube 74 is open at both ends and facilitates flow into the bag at the bottom.
  • the portion of the tube within the plastic bag 72 may have perforations along its length to facilitate flow into the bag along its length, if desired.
  • the length of the tube within the bag is approximately equal to the length of the bag to facilitate insertion of the flexible uninflated bag into a filled or ampty container 12, and to maintain the bag extended into the container and away from the closure member to assure that the spout portion and discharge orifice are not blocked or isolated from the contents v2 the container.
  • a bladder of this construction is available from Glasrock Products, Inc., Fairburn, Georgia.
  • the outer end of the plastic tube 74 that extends from the bag portion is received in the ribbed cavity portion 50 of the hub 45 with a tight friction fit or in addition may be positively secured, as by sonic welding.
  • the end of the tube received in the cavity is directly adjacent and retains the one-way inlet valve 22.
  • the valve 22 being normally closed, will prevent air or other fluid within the bladder from escaping when the container 12 is at rest or squeezed.
  • increased pressure within the bladder acts along with the force exerted by the spring strips 64 to maintain the valve closed.
  • a reduction in pressure within the bladder 18 sufficient to create a differential adequate to overcome the biasing force of the spring strips 64 will open the valve to permit flow into the bladder, as when the resilient container expands after part of the contents has been dispensed.
  • Figs. 3 and 4 The manner in which the dispenser 10 operates is illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.
  • the closure member 14 and the intermediate member 16 with the collapsed bladder 18 are assembled to the container 12, which is filled with flowable contents C, a seal is created about the opening 13 that prevents exit of the contents except through the discharge valve 20.
  • the flexible, resilient, container 12 is squeezed as illustrated in Fig. 3, to deflect the container wall inwardly, increased internal pressure forces the contents through the discharge valve 20, which opens when the increased internal pressure overcomes the spring force of the valve biasing it closed, allowing the material to flow through the spout portion 26.
  • the flow of material passes about the post 30 and flows as a uniform stream from the spout. Air or other displacement fluid within the bladder 18 is prevented from escaping through the tube 74 under the increased internal pressure within the container by the one-way inlet valve 22.
  • the volume of the bladder remains constant during the discharge of contents.
  • the bag isolates the displacement fluid from the contents, and the physical configuration of the bag and its location within the container limit the location of the displacement fluid.
  • the location of the displacement fluid and bag at maximum volume is indicated in Fig. 2, illustrating that the remaining contents to be dispensed is at all times maintained at locations that include the volume within and adjacent to the spout portion 26.
  • the top of the valve head 60 can be of slightly modified construction to extend into the transverse passage 46.
  • the top of the valve head 60 can be of slightly modified construction to extend into the transverse passage 46.
  • a modification of the closure member 14 is shown at 214 in Fig. 8.
  • the closure member 214 is non-flexible and has a one-way discharge valve 220 that is independent of an intermediate member 216, which provides a circular supporting and sealing portion 240, a spoke 241 with a passage 246 and a central hub 245 with a cavity 244 to receive and support a one-way inlet valve 222 and the bladder 18.
  • the construction of the particular valve 220 disclosed provides rotary as well as axial movement to assure a good seal.
  • the valve 220 includes a stem portion 80, a tapered valve head 81 integral with the stem, and a spring portion 82.
  • the spring portion 82 includes an end_cup 83, three helical spring strips 84, and a ring 85.
  • the end cup, spring strips and ring are integral, with the spring strips extending between the end cup and ring, about the stem portion 80.
  • the ring encircles the stem and is held with a snap fit in an internal groove within the spout portion 226.
  • the stem is a separate piece from the spring portion 82 and is pressed into a central opening in the end cup 83 during assembly.
  • the parts of the one-way valve 220 are of a size that the spring portion 82 biases the valve head 81 into a seated condition against a tapered valve seat of the ring 85 under sufficient pressure to provide a seal and to seat the valve in the absence of a flow of material through the orifice.
  • valve is recessed from the end of the spout to provide a coherent stream of the contents.
  • valve 220 of molded plastic, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene
  • the spring strips are inherently flexible and resilient. Valves of this construction are manufactured by Dab-D-Matic Corp., Mt. Vernon, New York. A snap on outer cap 88 is shown in phantom.
  • a further modification of the closure member 14 is shown at 314 in Fig. 9.
  • the cap portion 324, threaded skirt 325 and intermediate member 316 are equivalent to the corresponding parts in the embodiment of Fig. 1.
  • the spout portion 326 can be substantially shorter than the spout 26, but otherwise is of similar construction and includes a one-way discharge valve 320 and a deflector 321.
  • a container, such as a plastic cup 90 is secured against the cap portion 324 through a circular opening 91 in a bottom wall 92.
  • the circular opening 91 fits in fluid-tight relationship about the spout portion 326.
  • the plastic cup 90 shown is a measuring cup bearing indicia 93 that indicate various volumes.
  • the dispenser Because the dispenser is always “full” until empty, it will always dispense contents when squeezed, even when held in an upright position. Accordingly, the cup 90 can be conveniently filled from the container 12 to any level desired while holding the dispenser upright and squeezing the container. The dispenser can then be tipped to pour the measured contents from the cup 90 while the contents within the dispenser is retained by the valve 320. With this construction, a very convenient measuring dispenser is provided.
  • FIG. 10 and 11 of the drawings A still further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings, having a closure member 94 and an intermediate member 96 with a central post portion 98.
  • the closure 94 has a threaded skirt 100 and a spout portion 102 that is at least in. part flexible and resilient, and preferably of plastic.
  • the spout portion terminates with a central orifice 104 that receives and closely surrounds the central post portion 98 when the spout is in its normal condition (equal pressure inside and outside the container).
  • a resilient pleat, corrugation or diaphragm portion 106 extending circumferentially at the base of the spout portion yieldably holds the spout in a position with the orifice 104 surrounding the post, yet allows movement of the spout in a direction axially of the central post 98, so the spout cooperates with the post to form a one-way discharge valve that opens in response to a greater pressure inside the dispenser than outside and closes when the pressures are equal.
  • the intermediate member 96 includes an annular portion 108 of a size to rest against the edge of a container 12 about a threaded opening 111 where the closure member 94 is attached.
  • the annular portion 108 serves as a washer to provide a seal between the container 12 and closure, isolating the contents of the container from the threaded interconnection.
  • the central post portion 98 is essentially perpendicular to the plane of the annular portion 108 and is supported centrally of the annular portion by diametrically opposite spokes 113, 114 extending between the post and annular portion. As shown, the base of the post terminates in a plane of the spokes.
  • the opposite or distal end of the post is formed with an external shoulder 116 and a projecting terminal portion 118 of somewhat smaller diameter than the post, to form a seat and plug for the spout portion 102 at the central orifice 104.
  • the post portion 98 has an internal passageway 119 along its length, with an internal shoulder 120 and an internal tapered valve seat 122.
  • a one-way inlet valve 124 of similar construction to the valve 22 previously described is received within the passageway 119 with a supporting ring 126 located against the internal shoulder 120 and a tapered valve head 127 seated against the valve seat 122, urged into seated condition by spring strips 128.
  • the extending end of a plastic tube 74' of a bladder 18' is received in the internal passage of the post, abutting against the ring 126.
  • the container In operation, when the container is squeezed, increased pressure within the container causes the contents to urge the flexible spout portion away from the seat formed by the shoulder 116 and reduced diameter portion 118 to permit the contents to be discharged.
  • the one-way inlet valve 124 remains against the seat 122, preventing the escape of displacement fluid from the bladder.
  • the flexible spout Upon release of pressure against the container wall the flexible spout is returned by the resiliency of the pleat to a position against the seat of the center post, preventing entry of displacement fluid into the container through the discharge outlet.
  • the one-way inlet valve 124 is opened by the decrease in internal pressure within the bladder 18', and displacement fluid flows through passage 119 of the central post portion 98 of the intermediate member into the bladder to displace the contents dispensed.
  • a modified-closure member 130 is illustrated in Fig. 12 of the drawings, having a spout portion 132, but otherwise identical to the closure member 214 of Fig. 8. As shown, a discharge passage 134 is provided with a relatively small diameter for a substantial length. No mechanical valve is provided, but the construction in conjunction with a viscous contents in the dispenser serves a valving function to prevent inflow of displacement fluid after contents is dispensed. Viscous fluid, such as thick paste, within the relatively narrow and long discharge passage l34 has sufficient resistance to flow and flows sufficiently slowly that the inlet valve to the bladder opens and pressure is equalized through flow into the bladder before the passage 130 opens'from backflow of the viscous fluid. The fluid, then, serves to plug the outlet for a time subsequent to dispensing sufficient to insure flow of displacement fluid only into the bladder.
  • the closure members, intermediate members, bladders and containers are advantageously formed of suitable plastic, i.e., synthetic resin, material that provides the desired characteristics.
  • suitable plastic i.e., synthetic resin
  • the selection of particular resins appropriate for the purposes is well within the.skill of the molder and does not form a part of the present invention.
  • the closure member and intermediate member may advantageously be injection molded of, e.g., high density polyethylene for the intermediate member and low density polyethylene for the closure member.
  • a closure having only a dispensing opening and an opening for communication with a container, can be used to dispense flowable contents and to allow an in-flow of displacement fluid to be captured within an expansible bladder, without interfering with the dispensing.
  • the intermediate member between the closure and container, with its connection to the bladder, facilitates this capture and locates the bladder in a desirable, effective, position for displacing dispensed contents without interfering with the path of the contents from the container to the discharge spout.
  • the result is a squeeze type dispenser that is always "full” until empty and that has the outward appearance of a conventional container.
  • the construction is economical to manufacture with conventional injection and blow molding techniques.
  • the bladder construction is readily inserted into a filled container because of the internal tube extending substantially the length of the bladder, and retention of the intermediate member in proper position for application of the closure member facilitates high production filling and closing techniques.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
EP79302283A 1978-10-31 1979-10-19 Dispositif distributeur Expired EP0011394B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US95609678A 1978-10-31 1978-10-31
US956236 1978-10-31
US05/956,236 US4239132A (en) 1978-10-31 1978-10-31 Apparatus for facilitating inflow through closure threads of dispenser
US956096 1978-10-31

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0011394A1 true EP0011394A1 (fr) 1980-05-28
EP0011394B1 EP0011394B1 (fr) 1982-12-15

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP79302283A Expired EP0011394B1 (fr) 1978-10-31 1979-10-19 Dispositif distributeur

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EP (1) EP0011394B1 (fr)
DE (1) DE2964302D1 (fr)

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2168314A (en) * 1984-12-14 1986-06-18 Waddington & Duval Ltd Container for pressurised liquid
GB2220408A (en) * 1988-06-27 1990-01-10 Excludair Ltd Closure devices for containers
EP0603606A2 (fr) * 1992-12-24 1994-06-29 Hans-Ullrich Brinkmeier Récipient pour nourriture de consistence pâteuse
WO1994025371A1 (fr) * 1993-05-05 1994-11-10 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer Gmbh Dispositif de transfert de substances
FR2758127A1 (fr) * 1997-01-08 1998-07-10 Rocher Yves Biolog Vegetale Dispositif anti-sable d'obturation d'un flacon et ensemble comprenant le dispositif lie au flacon
AT405736B (de) * 1992-02-26 1999-11-25 Girlinger & Co Gmbh Ausgiesser für flaschen
FR2781768A1 (fr) * 1998-08-03 2000-02-04 Valois Sa Dispositif de distribution de produit fluide adapte a eviter toute contamination du produit contenu dans le recipient
NL1016774C2 (nl) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-04 Sara Lee De Nv Knijpflacon.
WO2004101385A1 (fr) * 2003-05-19 2004-11-25 Won-Seo Pang Bouteille souple pour matiere visqueuse
BE1015334A4 (fr) * 2003-01-29 2005-02-01 Fontaine Jean Paul Bouchon a sac de compensation.
WO2013043938A3 (fr) * 2011-09-20 2013-05-16 Dispensing Technologies B.V. Dispositifs de pulvérisateur dosés et actifs avec fonctionnalité d'aérosol (« flairosol ii »)
US10537903B2 (en) 2016-01-06 2020-01-21 Innovation Junction Limited Spray cap for container

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4057177A (en) * 1977-01-18 1977-11-08 Laauwe Robert H Valved squeeze bottle for viscous products
US4159790A (en) * 1977-12-19 1979-07-03 Bailey Vincent R Dispensing container

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4057177A (en) * 1977-01-18 1977-11-08 Laauwe Robert H Valved squeeze bottle for viscous products
US4159790A (en) * 1977-12-19 1979-07-03 Bailey Vincent R Dispensing container

Cited By (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2168314A (en) * 1984-12-14 1986-06-18 Waddington & Duval Ltd Container for pressurised liquid
GB2168314B (en) * 1984-12-14 1989-05-17 Waddington & Duval Ltd Carbonated beverage container
GB2220408A (en) * 1988-06-27 1990-01-10 Excludair Ltd Closure devices for containers
AT405736B (de) * 1992-02-26 1999-11-25 Girlinger & Co Gmbh Ausgiesser für flaschen
EP0603606A2 (fr) * 1992-12-24 1994-06-29 Hans-Ullrich Brinkmeier Récipient pour nourriture de consistence pâteuse
DE4244097A1 (de) * 1992-12-24 1994-07-07 Brinkmeier Hans Ullrich Behälter für dickflüssige Nahrungsmittel
EP0603606A3 (fr) * 1992-12-24 1995-03-22 Brinkmeier Hans Ullrich Récipient pour nourriture de consistence pâteuse.
WO1994025371A1 (fr) * 1993-05-05 1994-11-10 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer Gmbh Dispositif de transfert de substances
US6062430A (en) * 1993-05-05 2000-05-16 Ing. Erich Pfeiffer Gmbh Dispensing container with variable volume compensation
FR2758127A1 (fr) * 1997-01-08 1998-07-10 Rocher Yves Biolog Vegetale Dispositif anti-sable d'obturation d'un flacon et ensemble comprenant le dispositif lie au flacon
FR2781768A1 (fr) * 1998-08-03 2000-02-04 Valois Sa Dispositif de distribution de produit fluide adapte a eviter toute contamination du produit contenu dans le recipient
WO2000007739A1 (fr) * 1998-08-03 2000-02-17 Valois S.A. Dispositif de distribution de produit fluide adapte a eviter toute contamination du produit contenu dans le recipient
NL1016774C2 (nl) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-04 Sara Lee De Nv Knijpflacon.
WO2002044049A1 (fr) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-06 Sara Lee/De N.V. Distributeur de liquide compressible
US6868991B2 (en) 2000-12-01 2005-03-22 Sara Lee/De N.V. Squeeze liquid dispenser
BE1015334A4 (fr) * 2003-01-29 2005-02-01 Fontaine Jean Paul Bouchon a sac de compensation.
WO2004101385A1 (fr) * 2003-05-19 2004-11-25 Won-Seo Pang Bouteille souple pour matiere visqueuse
US9714133B2 (en) 2010-05-05 2017-07-25 Dispensing Technologies B.V. Metered and active sprayer devices with aerosol functionality (“Flairosol II”)
WO2013043938A3 (fr) * 2011-09-20 2013-05-16 Dispensing Technologies B.V. Dispositifs de pulvérisateur dosés et actifs avec fonctionnalité d'aérosol (« flairosol ii »)
RU2683982C2 (ru) * 2011-09-20 2019-04-03 Диспенсинг Текнолоджиз Б.В. ДОЗИРУЮЩЕЕ И АКТИВИРУЕМОЕ РАСПЫЛИТЕЛЬНЫЕ УСТРОЙСТВА С ФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНОСТЬЮ АЭРОЗОЛЬНОГО БАЛЛОНЧИКА ("Flairosol II")
US10537906B2 (en) 2011-09-20 2020-01-21 Dispensing Technologies B.V. Metered and active sprayer devices with aerosol functionality (“Flairosol II”)
US11154886B2 (en) 2011-09-20 2021-10-26 Dispensing Technologies B.V. Metered and active sprayer devices with aerosol functionality (“Flairosol II”)
US12036571B2 (en) 2011-09-20 2024-07-16 Dispensing Technologies B.V. Metered and active sprayer devices with aerosol functionality—Flairosol II
US10537903B2 (en) 2016-01-06 2020-01-21 Innovation Junction Limited Spray cap for container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE2964302D1 (en) 1983-01-20
EP0011394B1 (fr) 1982-12-15

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