Classifications

• • 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
  • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
  • B65D1/32—Containers adapted to be temporarily deformed by external pressure to expel contents
• • 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

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a device for dispensing a substance, e.g. a flowable substance such as a fluid. More particularly the invention relates to a device for controlled dispensing of a flowable substance, e.g. a fluid.
• the product may be highly concentrated, meaning that only a small volume is required at a given time.
• water may need to be added to only a small volume of a superconcentrated cordial as compared with a traditional cordial mixture.
• a first aspect of the invention provides a device for controlled dispensing of a flowable substance, e.g. a fluid or a powder, comprising a chamber defined by at least one wall and having an outlet, wherein a portion of the at least one wall comprises a resilient diaphragm operable to dispense a slug of the flowable substance from the chamber through the outlet.
• the chamber may have any number of outlets.
• the chamber may have at least one outlet, up to 30 outlets, up to 20 outlets or up to 10 outlets.
• the resilient diaphragm may be operable to dispense the slug of the flowable substance through all of the outlets simultaneously.
• the resilient diaphragm may be operable to dispense the slug of the flowable substance through one or more, but not all, of the outlets. For instance, by dispensing the slug of the flowable substance through more than one outlet simultaneously, a shower or spray of the flowable substance may be produced.
• the device may be operable repeatedly to dispense a series of slugs of the flowable substance from the chamber, e.g. until no more or only a mininimal amount of the flowable substance remains in the chamber.
• slug is used to refer to a discrete volume of the flowable substance that is dispensed upon operation of the resilient diaphragm.
• a slug may comprise a volume of liquid that is squirted from the device upon operation of the resilient diaphragm.
• the or each slug of the flowable substance may comprise a predetermined volume of the flowable substance.
• the predetermined volume may be within a range of volumes.
• the volume of the slug may be predetermined insofar as it may fall within an acceptable range, e.g. a tolerance or variation either side of a mean value .
• the standard deviation in the volumes of the slug(s) may be less than 25% of the mean slug volume .
• the standard deviation in the volumes of the slug(s) may be less than 20% of the mean slug volume .
• the resilient diaphragm may be manually operable .
• the diaphragm may be manually deformable, in use, to dispense the flowable substance.
• a mechanism may be provided, the mechanism comprising an actuation means configured to operate the diaphragm to dispense a slug of the flowable substance from the chamber through the outlet.
• the diaphragm may provide a button, e.g. a snapthrough or snap-action button.
• the device may provide relatively close control of the volume of the slug(s) and/or may cause the slug(s) to be dispensed with a relatively high velocity and/or over a relatively great distance .
• the diaphragm may have a convex ready position and a concave dispensing position. In use, the diaphragm may be depressed, typically manually, from the convex ready position to the concave dispensing position in order to cause the slug of the flowable substance to be dispensed from the chamber through the outlet. Being resilient, the diaphragm may return to the convex ready position when the diaphragm is no longer being depressed.
• the device may then be used to dispense one or more further slugs of the flowable substance .
• the diaphragm may return to the convex ready position very quickly, e .g. substantially instantaneously, once it is no longer being depressed.
• the diaphragm may snap back from the concave dispensing position to the convex ready position.
• An advantage of the diaphragm returning quickly to its ready position is that the device may be used to dispense another slug of the flowable substance shortly, e.g. almost immediately, after dispensing a given slug of the flowable substance.
• some pumps and squez bottles may take some time to return to their ready positions.
• drips from the outlet may be reduced, minimised or eliminated.
• Relatively strong suck back caused by the diaphragm quickly returning to its ready position may act to prevent any dripping. Accordingly, improved control of the dispensing of the flowable substance may be provided.
• the or each slug of the flowable substance may be dispensed at a velocity of up to or at least 0.5 ms "1 , up to or at least 1 ms "1 , up to or at least 2 ms “1 , up to or at least 3 ms "1 , up to or at least 4 ms "1 , up to or at least 5 ms "1 , up to or at least 6 ms "1 or up to or at least 7 ms "1 .
• the velocity at which the or each slug of the flowable substance is dispensed, in use may depend on a number of factors including the size, material selection and material thickness of the resilient diaphragm and the viscosity of the flowable substance .
• the or each slug of a less viscous flowable substance such as a concentrated beverage may be dispensed at a higher velocity than the or each slug of a more viscous flowable substance such as ketchup or toothpaste .
• Dispensing the slug(s) of the flowable substance at a relatively high velocity may be advantageous. If the slug(s) is/are dispensed into a fluid, e.g. water, then mixing of the flowable substance with the fluid may be facilitated. The distance travelled by the slug(s) of the flowable substance may be relatively great. This may, for instance, be advantageous, when dispensing an air freshener.
• the device may be suitable for dispensing relatively viscous substances.
• the diaphragm may have a thickness of at least 0. 1 mm, at least or up to 0.2 mm, at least or up to 0.6 mm, at least or up to 1 mm and/or at least or up to 2 mm.
• the thickness of the resilient diaphragm may depend on a number of factors typically governed at least in part by the desired mechanical behaviour and/or performance of the resilient diaphragm, e.g. the desired force required to operate the resilient diaphragm to dispense a slug of the flowable substance and/or the desired strength of the kick provided by the resilient diaphragm.
• the selected thickness of the resilient diaphragm may depend on a number of factors including the size and dimensions of the resilient diaphragm and/or of the chamber, the material(s) from which the resilient diaphragm and/or the chamber wall(s) is/are made, the method of manufacture of the resilient diaphragm and/or the chamber wall(s), the properties, e.g. viscosity, of the flowable substance to be dispensed using the device.
• the or each wall defining the chamber may be less easily deformable, in use, than the resilient diaphragm.
• the or each wall defining the chamber may be substantially rigid.
• the diaphragm may provide a visual and/or tactile indication of where and how a user should press it to dispense a slug of the flowable substance .
• the shape and configuration of the diaphragm may provide the visual and/or tactile indication.
• the diaphragm may be provided with indicia, e.g. coloured markings and/or a surface pattern and/or a textured surface, to provide the visual and/or tactile indication.
• the outlet(s) may be provided with a valve .
• the valve may comprise a slit valve or a sauce valve.
• the valve may comprise a flexible diaphragm, e .g .
• a silicone diaphragm with one or more slits, holes or apertures therein, to allow dispensing and shut-off.
• depressing the diaphragm may cause a pressure increase in the chamber, due to volume reduction, sufficient to force open the valve and dispense the substance through the outlet.
• the outlet(s) may be provided with a one-way valve configured such that the flowable substance can be dispensed from the chamber, but air cannot be drawn into the chamber through the valve. This may be advantageous if the flowable substance should not or cannot be exposed to air, e.g. for reasons of sterility, because of safety concerns or because exposure to air could tarnish the flowable substance .
• the volume of the chamber and/or the container may be variable, e.g. controllably variable.
• the volume may be controllably varied by the device being configured such that the volume may vary in a predetermined way in response to a given stimulus, e.g. a slug of the flowable substance being dispensed.
• the device may be configured such that the volume of the chamber and/or the container decreases after a slug of the flowable substance is dispensed, e.g. through the or a one-way valve.
• the volume of the chamber and/or the container may decrease to maintain the pressure within the chamber after each slug of the flowable substance has been dispensed.
• the device may comprise a movable wall, plunger or piston operable to reduce the volume of the chamber and/or the container after each slug of the flowable substance has been dispensed.
• the container and/or the chamber may be at least partially flexible and/or collapsible .
• the container and/or the chamber may be controllably collapsible, e .g . by provision of a concertina-type structure.
• the container or chamber may comprise a bag-in-a-can.
• the device may comprise more than one resilient diaphragm.
• each resilient diaphragm may be operable to dispense a slug of the flowable substance from the chamber through the outlet.
• the or each resilient diaphragm may be configured to dispense, in use, a slug of the flowable substance having a different volume from one or more of the other resilient diaphragm(s).
• a first resilient diaphragm may be configured to dispense a larger slug of the flowable substance, while a second resilient diaphragm may be configured to dispense a smaller slug of the flowable substance .
• the resilient diaphragm may comprise a convex shape, e.g. a curved convex shape.
• the resilient diaphragm may, for example, be dome-shaped.
• the convex shape may have a base having any suitable shape .
• the shape of the base may be curved at least in part.
• the shape of the base may be curvilinear.
• the shape of the base may comprise one or more rounded corners.
• the resilient diaphragm may comprise a convex shape having an ovoid base or an elliptical, e.g. substantially circular, base .
• the base of the convex shape, e.g. dome may have a diameter of at least 10 mm or at least 20 mm.
• the base of the convex shape, e.g. dome may have a diameter of up to 150 mm, up to 100 mm or up to 60 mm.
• the convex shape may be substantially hemi-spherical or hemi-ovoid. Alternatively, the convex shape may have a flatter profile .
• the convex shape may be regular or irregular.
• the resilient diaphragm is configured such that it can perform its intended function. Typically, this may depend on the shape and configuration of the resilient diaphragm and the properties of the material from which the resilient diaphragm is made.
• the diaphragm could be made from vacuum formed polyethylene terephthalate (PET), stretch blow moulded PET or a blow moulded synthetic rubber.
• the device may comprise a container for the flowable substance, e.g. a bottle or a carton.
• the device may be built into the container for the flowable substance .
• the chamber may occupy substantially all of the internal volume of the container.
• the chamber may provide a localised reservoir within the internal volume of the container.
• the device may comprise an inlet to the chamber to provide fluid communication between the chamber and the remaining internal volume of the container.
• the device may comprise any number of inlets to the chamber.
• the device may comprise at least one inlet and/or up to 30 inlets.
• the inlet(s) could be provided by or with a mesh or a semi-permeable membrane.
• the inlet(s) may be configured such that the localised reservoir provided by the chamber may contain a substantially constant volume, e.g. may be substantially full, whenever the diaphragm is used to dispense the flowable substance from the chamber.
• fluid communication between the chamber and the remaining internal volume of the container may be restricted to a single direction.
• the inlet(s) to the chamber may be configured such that the flowable substance cannot flow out of the localised reservoir into the container when the diaphragm is pressed.
• the inlet to the chamber may be provided with a one-way valve . This may be advantageous, since it may allow for a generally constant pressure to be maintained within the chamber and therefore a smaller variation in the volume of the slugs of flowable substance dispensed from the chamber. This greater consistency in the volume of slugs dispensed may be particularly useful in applications of the device where especially close control of the volume of the slugs of flowable substance is desired.
• the device may be connectable to a container for the flowable substance.
• the device may be adapted to be connectable to one or more specially adapted portions of the container.
• the device may be part of an external attachment such as a cap or other closure system, which is connectable to a container for the flowable substance.
• an external attachment such as a cap or other closure system
• the device When the device is connected to the container, there should be fluid communication between the inner volume of the container and the chamber of the device .
• the chamber of the device may provide a localised reservoir within the external attachment.
• the device may comprise an inlet such that the flowable substance from the container may enter the chamber of the device .
• the device may comprise any number of inlets to the chamber.
• the device may comprise at least one inlet and/or up to 30 inlets.
• the inlet(s) could be provided by or with a mesh or a semi-permeable membrane.
• the inlet(s) may be configured such that the localised reservoir provided by the chamber may contain a substantially constant volume, e.g. may be substantially full, whenever the diaphragm is used to dispense the flowable substance from the chamber.
• fluid communication between the chamber and the internal volume of the container may be restricted to a single direction.
• the inlet(s) to the chamber may be configured such that the flowable substance cannot flow out of the localised reservoir into the container when the diaphragm is pressed.
• the inlet(s) to the chamber may be provided with a one-way valve . This may be advantageous, since it may allow for a generally constant pressure to be maintained within the chamber and therefore a smaller variation in the volume of the slugs of flowable substance dispensed from the chamber. This greater consistency in the volume of slugs dispensed may be particularly useful in applications of the device where especially close control of the volume of the slugs of flowable substance is desired.
• the external attachment may be reusable .
• the external attachment may be connectable to and subsequently detachable from a plurality of containers, one after another.
• the provision of a localised reservoir may help to reduce the variation in the volume of the slugs dispensed using a device according to the invention.
• the device and/or the container may be provided with at least one additional inlet or vent configured to allow communication of another flowable substance, e.g. air from the chamber or the atmosphere, to the internal volume of the container when the diaphragm is used to dispense the flowable substance or the diaphragm returns to its ready position after use.
• the or each additional inlet or vent may be configured such that fluid communication of the other flowable substance between the internal volume of the container and the chamber or the atmosphere may occur independently of operation of the resilient diaphragm.
• the container which feeds the localised reservoir may be rigid, semi-rigid, flexible or deformable .
• the container may be refillable.
• the or each resilient diaphragm may comprise a polymeric material and/or a metallic material.
• the metallic material may comprise a metal or an alloy.
• the or each resilient diaphragm may be formed by conventional forming and/or moulding techniques for materials exhibiting the required resilient behaviour.
• suitable forming and/or moulding techniques may include vacuum forming, injection moulding, extrusion blow moulding and injection stretch blow moulding.
• the or each wall defining the chamber may be made from any suitable material, e .g. a plastics material, a glass, a metal or card or cardboard.
• the or each wall defining the chamber may be formed by conventional forming and/or moulding techniques for materials exhibiting the preferred comparatively rigid behaviour.
• suitable forming and/or moulding techniques may include vacuum forming, injection moulding, extrusion blow moulding and injection stretch blow moulding.
• each resilient diaphragm may be formed integrally of the device.
• the or each resilient diaphragm may be formed separately from the device and then attached to the device.
• a resilient diaphragm could be formed, e.g. moulded, then bonded, e.g. welded, to or into a body of a bottle or a container or an external attachment for a container or a bottle.
• the container may comprise a card-based box, e.g. of the type sometimes used to contain milk, drinking yoghurt, fruit juice or the like .
• the or each wall defining the chamber and the or each resilient diaphragm may be made or formed together, e.g. in a single piece .
• the or each wall defining the chamber and the or each resilient diaphragm may be formed, e.g. by moulding, typically from a polymeric material.
• the or each wall defining the chamber and the or each resilient diaphragm may be vacuum formed, injection moulded or blow moulded.
• the polymeric material may be any suitable polymeric material, e .g. polyethylene, polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
• the material exhibiting the desired resilient behaviour may comprise one or more polymeric materials from oil- or bio-based sources, renewable or sustainable sources.
• Suitable materials may include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), a polyester such as polyethylene terphthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), polycarbonate and synthetic or natural rubbers.
• a diaphragm comprising PET may provide a stronger kick than a diaphragm comprising a softer material such as polypropylene .
• a stronger kick may help to provide closer control of the volume of the slug(s) and/or may cause the slug(s) to be dispensed with a higher velocity and/or over a greater distance .
• the or each resilient diaphragm may comprise a laminate or a co-extrusion.
• the or each resilient diaphragm may comprise one or more layers of a resilient, e.g. polymeric or metallic, material and an environmental barrier material.
• the or each resilient diaphragm may comprise a laminate comprising one or more layers of PET and a layer of a polyvinyl alcohol such as ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), e.g. a laminate comprising a layer of EVOH between two layers of PET.
• EVOH ethylene vinyl alcohol
• the or each resilient diaphragm may comprise a co-extrusion of one or more layers or components of PP and a layer or component of a polyvinyl alcohol such as EVOH.
• the or each resilient diaphragm may comprise a layer of PP over-moulded with one or more thermoplastic elastomeric materials.
• each wall defining the chamber may comprise a laminate or a co- extrusion.
• the or each resilient diaphragm and/or the or each wall defining the chamber may comprise a thermoplastic material.
• recycled materials may be used in the manufacture of the device .
• the device may be biodegradable and/or recyclable in whole or in part.
• the device may be ergonomically shaped and configured to assist a user holding the device.
• the device may be adapted, e.g. by the provision of protrusions and/or indentations and/or one or more handles and/or one or more gripping panels, such that the device may be easily held in one hand, e.g. such that a user's thumb or forefinger(s) may be located above the resilient diaphragm.
• the device may be shaped and configured such that a plurality of devices can be arranged, stacked or packed together efficiently, e.g. in a delivery box or a point of sale display.
• the device may comprise an indentation sized and located to accommodate a convex resilient diaphragm on an adjacent device .
• a container or an external attachment comprising the device when empty, may weigh no more than 500 g or no more than 200 g or no more than 100 g or no more than 20 g.
• the container or the external attachment when empty, may weigh at least 1 g, e.g. at least 3 g or at least 6 g.
• the chamber may have a capacity of no more than 2 litres, e.g. no more than 1 1, no more than 500 ml, no more than 250 ml, no more than 150 ml, no more than 100 ml or no more than 70 ml.
• the flowable substance may be a fluid.
• the fluid may be a liquid or a gas.
• the fluid may be a concentrated fluid.
• the flowable substance may comprise a food or beverage product.
• the flowable substance may comprise a soft drink, e.g. a cordial, a superconcentrate or a smoothie or a powdered drink, or an alcoholic drink such as a spirit.
• the flowable substance may comprise a condiment or sauce or dressing, e.g. tomato ketchup, brown sauce, hollandaise sauce, mustard, bearnaise sauce, horseradish sauce, mayonnaise, salad cream or salad dressing.
• the flowable substance may comprise a personal care or personal hygiene product such as a cosmetics product, e.g.
• the flowable substance may comprise a homecare product such as a household cleaning agent, detergent, washing-up liquid or an air freshener.
• the flowable substance may comprise a polish, e.g. for furniture, shoes or a motor vehicle.
• the flowable substance may comprise a motoring product such as an oil or a concentrated screenwash.
• the flowable substance may comprise a gardening product such as a plant food, a weed killer or oil for a lawn mower.
• the flowable substance may comprise a medicament.
• the flowable substance may comprise an insect repellent, a fly spray or an anti-bite cream.
• the flowable substance may comprise a powder or liquid pigment, dye or paint.
• the flowable substance may comprise an adhesive or a glue .
• the flowable substance may be dispensed freely to where it is required for its intended end use.
• a drink could be dispensed into a drinking vessel such as a cup or a glass
• a food product such as a condiment or sauce
• a garden product such as plant food or a pesticide could be dispensed directly on to the garden.
• the flowable substance may be dispensed into an at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container.
• the container or the external attachment comprising the device according to the invention may be adapted to be connectable, directly or indirectly (e .g. via a separate section of pipe or tubing), to the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container.
• At least one container or an external attachment comprising the device according to the invention may be connectable to the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container.
• the flowable substance(s) may be dosed into and/or mixed with other substances, which may include one or more flowable substances dispensed from a container or an external attachment comprising the device according to the invention, in the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container.
• the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container may include a bottle, a beaker, a mixing chamber, a pipe or tube or a watering can.
• a fluid may be flowing within the conduit, e.g. the pipe or tube .
• the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container may be provided with mixing or stirring means.
• the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container may be fully enclosed.
• the environment within the at least partially enclosed vessel may be controlled, e.g. at a certain temperature and/or pressure and/or moisture level and/or so that it is substantially sterile. This may be advantageous if the flowable substance(s) is/are volatile or sensitive or degrades when exposed to atmosphere.
• a second aspect of the invention provides a container comprising or having attached thereto a device according to the first aspect of the invention, optionally wherein the container contains a flowable substance .
• a third aspect of the invention provides a box or a point of sale display comprising at least one device, e.g. a plurality of devices, according to the first aspect of the invention.
• a fourth aspect of the invention provides an at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container with at least one device according to the first aspect of the invention connected, directly or indirectly, thereto, whereby the or each device is operable to dispense a flowable substance into the at least partially enclosed vessel, conduit or container.
• Figure 1 shows a rear elevation of a first embodiment of a container according to the invention
• Figure 2 shows a side elevation of the container shown in Figure 1 ;
• Figure 3 is a graph showing results of a set of experiments carried out with a second embodiment of a container according to the invention
• Figure 4 is a graph showing results of a set of experiments carried out with a third embodiment of a container according to the invention.
• Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional profile of half of a fourth embodiment of a container according to the invention
• Figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the profile shown in Figure 5 ;
• Figure 7 shows a lateral cross-section of the profile shown in Figure 5 ;
• Figure 8 is a graph showing results of a set of experiments carried out with a fifth embodiment of a container according to the invention;
• Figure 9 is a graph showing results of a set of experiments carried out with a sixth embodiment of a container according to the invention.
• Figure 10 is a graph showing results of a set of experiments carried out with a seventh embodiment of a container according to the invention.
• Figure 1 1 shows a device according to the invention and a watering can capable of receiving the device
• Figure 12 shows the device and watering can of Figure 1 1 with the device received by the watering can.
• Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of a container 1 according to the invention.
• the container 1 is a moulded plastic container for superconcentrate cordial.
• the container 1 is intended to contain 85 ml of superconcentrate cordial.
• the container 1 could have any capacity and could contain any fluid.
• the container 1 has a relatively flat elliptical cross section.
• the container 1 comprises a lower portion 2, which is provided on its front with a label 6 indicating the product within the container and on its rear with a button 5 provided by a resiliently deformable thin-wall section in the form of an ovoid convex diaphragm.
• the button could be provided on any portion of the container, e.g. the front, back, top, bottom or a side .
• the container may be provided with more than one button.
• the container 1 narrows towards its top.
• a cap 4 sits on top of the container. The cap
• the container 1 can be opened and closed. Underneath the cap, there is an outlet (not shown) provided with a valve (not shown), through which the contents of the container 1 can be dispensed.
• the container 1 comprises an intermediate portion 3 located between the lower portion 2 and the cap 4.
• the intermediate portion 3 is raised relative to the lower portion 2 and, optionally, has a rough, textured outer surface .
• the raised nature of the intermediate portion 3 and/or its rough, textured outer surface may make the container easier for a user to grip or hold, e.g. in one hand.
• the rough, textured outer surface may also have an aesthetic effect. For instance, the rough, textured outer surface may communicate something about the contents of the container.
• the container may contain a fruit-flavoured drink, e.g.
• the button 5 provides the means by which a flowable substance can be controllably dispensed from the container 1.
• a flowable substance e.g. a superconcentrate cordial
• the button 5 inverts, thereby creating a volume change (and therefore a pressure change) within the container 1 which causes the valve to open and the flowable substance to be controllably dispensed from the container 1.
• the button 5 When the user relieves the pressure on the button 5, the button 5 is configured such that it snaps back to its convex natural or ready position.
• there is another volume change (and pressure change) which may suck the flowable substance back into the container, thereby minimising dripping and which allows the valve to close .
• the volume change associated with pressing the button 5 may be known. Accordingly, the amount dispensed per press of the button 5, i.e. a slug of the flowable material, may be predetermined to a reasonable level of accuracy.
• FIG. 3 is a graph showing results of a set of experiments carried out with a second embodiment of a container (not shown) according to the invention.
• a button was glued into place in an aperture in the side of an existing bottle .
• the button comprised a shallow 47 mm-diameter dome surrounding by a trough and three concentric ridges with a further trough between each ridge.
• the outlet of the container was provided with a sauce slit valve and the container was filled with superconcentrate cordial. In all of the experiments described in this patent application, care was taken with each squirt to ensure that only the dome was collapsed and any additional squeezing of the container after the valve opened was kept to a minimum.
• the left-hand column records the number of squirts
• the middle column records the cumulative reading in grams (g or gms) on the scales
• the right-hand column records the volume in cubic centimetres (cm 3 or cc) of each squirt.
• Figure 3 is a graph based on the results shown in Table 1. Squirt volume is plotted on the y-axis and the number of the squirt within the series is plotted on the x-axis. The mean squirt volume was 4.65 cm 3 and the standard deviation was 0.82 cm 3 . If the last squirt is ignored, since there was less than the volume of an average squirt left in the container by this time, then the mean squirt volume was 4.72 cm 3 and the standard deviation was 0.75 cm 3 .
• Table 2 below and Figure 4 show the results of the same basic experiment as was discussed above in relation to Table 1 and Figure 3, but using a third embodiment of a container according to the invention.
• a button was glued into place in an aperture in the side of an existing bottle.
• the button comprised a shallow 35 mm-diameter dome surrounding by a trough and three concentric ridges with a further trough between each ridge.
• the outlet of the container was provided with a sauce slit valve and the container was filled with water. Care was taken with each squirt to ensure that only the dome was collapsed and any additional squeezing of the container after the valve opened was kept to a minimum.
• the container was held with first and second fingers located in a recess opposite the button and the thumb of the same hand was used to press the button. Initially, the container contained 120.9 cm 3 of water. After 23 squirts, 0 cm 3 of water remained in the container. fi ⁇ Scales rea ing gs*s ⁇ « ⁇ ! « of s «p ift ee
• Table 2 Referring to the data shown in Table 2 and Figure 4, the mean squirt volume was 4.5 1 cm 3 and the standard deviation was 1. 1 cm 3 .
• the sauce slit valve was found to be particularly suitable .
• the applicant's experiments found that the sauce slit valve allowed a relatively large volume through per squirt and that the sauce slit valve vented air into the container. Experiments using a tighter valve which required a higher pressure difference to open were also carried out. This tighter valve let out significantly less volume per squirt.
• the tighter valve when the tighter valve was used air only re-entered the container every few squirts when the internal pressure within the container was low enough to allow this. If the valve allows air to be vented into the container with every squirt, then the volume per squirt may be less variable from one squirt to the next. If air is not let back in every time through the slit valve, then the pressure inside the container may be different each time.
• Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional profile of half of a fourth embodiment of a container 50 according to the invention.
• Figure 6 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the profile shown in Figure 5 and
• Figure 7 shows a lateral cross-section of the profile shown in Figure 5.
• the profile shown in Figure 5 can be used to vacuum form half of a container 50 according to the invention. This half of the container 50 may be joined to another different, similar or identical half to create a container.
• the half of the container 50 is generally rounded and curved. At one end there is a neck 5 1. In use, a valve and/or a cap may be fitted or connected to the neck 5 1. At the base of the neck, there is a stepped shoulder region 52, which provides a transition between the neck 5 1 and a main generally dome-shaped portion 53. Positioned centrally on the dome-shaped portion 53, is a button 55.
• the button 55 comprises a resilient diaphragm which is configured as a shallow circular dome having a diameter of 30 mm.
• the button 55 is surrounded by a trough 56.
• a ridge 57 is provided around the trough 56 and connects the trough to the main generally dome-shaped portion 53.
• a styling ridge 54 is located between the ridge 57 and the end of the half of the container 50 distal from the neck 5 1.
• the styling ridge 54 extends around approximately 180° of arc.
• the styling ridge 54 is an aesthetic feature and is not essential to the function of a container comprising the half 50.
• the applicant has made halves of containers having the profile shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 by vacuum forming from 0.35 mm-thick PET and 0.50 mm-thick PET. The wall thickness at various points in the profile was measured.
• Figure 3 shows the wall thicknesses at various points in the profile when it was made by vacuum forming 0.35 mm-thick PET and when it was made be vacuum forming 0.5 mm-thick PET.
• Halves having the profile shown in Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 were joined to other halves in order to provide a container.
• the other halves had a concave dimple opposite the button.
• This concave dimple may make it easier to hold the container in one hand. For instance, a user could grip the container with his thumb in the dimple and use his first and second fingers to press the button to dispense a substance from within the container.
• the concave dimple is shaped and dimensioned such that it can accommodate the button of a neighbouring container. This may be advantageous when arranging, stacking or packing a plurality of containers, e.g. in a box for delivery or in a point of sale display.
• a container could be manufactured by blow moulding or injection moulding as a single piece .
• the button is vacuum formed or blow moulded the button has worked well in tests for a wide range of thicknesses and materials. This tolerance may be especially convenient, since it may be difficult to precisely control material thickness during manufacture, particularly large volume or automated manufacture .
• the data shown in Table 4 below and Figure 8 relate to experiments carried out using such a bottle vacuum formed from 0.5 mm-thick PET, having a slit valve across the outlet at its neck and a substantially circular dome-shaped button having a diameter of 30 mm.
• the left-hand column records the squirt number
• the middle column records the mass (measured in grams (g or gms)) of the bottle after each squirt
• the right-hand column records the volume (measured in cubic centimetres (cm 3 or cc)) of each squirt.
• the initial mass of the bottle and the water within it was 76.6 g. Over a series of 29 squirts, 57.4 cm 3 of water was dispensed from the bottle .
• Figure 8 is a graph based on the results shown in Table 4. Squirt volume is plotted on the y-axis and the number of the squirt within the series is plotted on the x-axis. The mean squirt volume was 2. 13 cm 3 and the standard deviation was 0.48 cm 3 .
• Table 5 The data shown in Table 5 below and Figure 9 relate to experiments carried out using a bottle vacuum formed from 0.5 mm-thick PET, having a 1.6 mm-diameter jet valve across the outlet at its neck and a substantially circular dome-shaped button having a diameter of 30 mm.
• the left-hand column records the squirt number
• the middle column records the cumulative mass (measured in grams (g or gms)) of the squirted water after each squirt
• the right-hand column records the volume (measured in cubic centimetres (cm 3 or cc)) of each squirt. Over a series of 38 squirts, 61.2 cm 3 of water was dispensed from the bottle .
• Figure 9 is a graph based on the results shown in Table 5. Squirt volume is plotted on the y-axis and the number of the squirt within the series is plotted on the x-axis. The mean squirt volume was 1.61 cm 3 and the standard deviation was 0.29 cm 3 .
• Table 5 The data shown in Table 6 below and Figure 10 relate to experiments carried out using a bottle vacuum formed from 0.5 mm-thick PET, having a 0.8 mm-diameter jet valve across the outlet at its neck and a substantially circular dome-shaped button having a diameter of 30 mm.
• the left-hand column records the squirt number
• the middle column records the cumulative mass (measured in grams (g or gms)) of the squirted water after each squirt
• the right-hand column records the volume (measured in cubic centimetres (cm 3 or cc)) of each squirt. Over a series of 59 squirts, 62.2 cm 3 of water was dispensed from the bottle .
• Figure 10 is a graph based on the results shown in Table 6. Squirt volume is plotted on the y-axis and the number of the squirt within the series is plotted on the x-axis. The mean squirt volume was 1.05 cm 3 and the standard deviation was 0. 19 cm 3 .
• the applicant also compared his invention with dispensing a fluid by simply squeezing a comparable bottle fitted with a valve .
• the present invention exhibited less of a variation between the largest volume squirt and the smallest volume squirt, even as the volume of liquid in the bottle fell.
• a valve comprising a flexible, silicone diaphragm with an aperture therein, it was found that water was dispensed from the bottle at a velocity of 7.2 m/s. This is considerably faster than can be achieved by simply squeezing a plastic bottle .
• this relatively high velocity may make the invention suitable as a potentially lower cost, less complex substitute for pressurised containers, e.g. for dispensing hand wash, disinfectant foams, shaving gels and foams.
• the invention may also be suitable for dispensing flowable substances comprising powders, e.g. drugs for inhalers.
• this relatively high velocity may make the invention suitable as a potentially lower cost, less complex substitute for a spray head or nozzle.
• the invention could, for instance, by used to dispense kitchen or bathroom cleaning products.
• the invention may also be suitable for producing a relatively fine mist of a product, e.g. a product such as an air freshener, a shoe freshener, a deodorant or a perfume.
• the volume of flowable substance dispensed in each slug may be determined at least in part by the size and shape of the button. Properties, e.g. viscosity, of the flowable substance may also determine at least in part the volume of flowable substance dispensed in each slug. In general, it may be easier to control the volume dispensed in each slug, when the chamber has a relatively small volume and/or the chamber provides a localised reservoir, which is configured to be filled to approximately the same level each time the resilient diaphragm is operated or actuated to dispense a slug of the flowable substance. In this way, the proportion of the chamber which contains the flowable substance and the proportion of the chamber which contains air typically may be maintained substantially constant.
• the invention may be reusable.
• a container e.g. a bottle
• An external attachment such as a cap according to the invention may be connectable to and detachable from a plurality of containers.
• Containers or external attachments according to the invention may be adapted to be connectable, e.g. releasably, to another container, conduit or vessel. Accordingly, the invention may allow for control of dosing or metering of a flowable substance into another container, conduit or vessel, in which the flowable substance is mixed with one or more other substances to create a product comprising the flowable substance.
• Figures 1 1 and 12 show a device 1 18 according to the invention and a watering can 1 1 1.
• the device 1 18 comprises a top 1 19 having the general shape of a relatively flat dome .
• a button provided by a resilient diaphragm 120, the button being operable to dispense a flowable substance from within the device 1 18.
• the device further comprises a curved tapering section 121 , which provides a side wall for an inner chamber of the device 1 18. At its wider end, the curved tapering section 121 is joined to the top 1 19 via an annular rim 126. At its narrower end, the curved tapering section 121 is joined to a neck 123 comprising an outlet (not shown). A cap 122 is provided which fits on to the neck 123, thereby covering the outlet when the device is not in use .
• the watering can 1 1 1 comprises a container body 1 12, which may be made from any suitable material, e .g. a metal or a plastic.
• a spout 1 13 leads from the container body 1 12 to a rose 1 14.
• a top handle 1 15 and a side handle 1 16 are provided on the container body 1 12.
• An aperture 1 17 is located on a top portion of the container body 1 12.
• the device 1 18 is shaped and dimensioned such that the device 1 18 can be received in the aperture 1 17 with the neck 123 pointing into the internal volume of the container body 1 12.
• the annular rim 126 abuts the outside of the container body 1 12 around the aperture 1 17.
• the top 1 19 stands proud of the container body 1 12.
• one or more slugs of a flowable substance comprising a gardening product such as plant food can be dispensed from the device 1 18 into the watering can 1 1 1 1 by operation of the resilient diaphragm 120 by a user.
• controlled amounts of the gardening product can be added to a volume of water within the watering can 1 1 1.
• the gardening product may be used in the garden more efficiently and/or reliably. For instance, it may be possible to more accurately prepare a solution containing the gardening product to a desired concentration.
• the present invention may find utility in a wide range of applications. In particular, it may find use in applications where pumps are currently used to facilitate dispensing of a flowable substance .
• the invention may be used in any field where it is necessary or desirable to dispense a flowable substance, e.g. a fluid, in a controlled manner.
• the invention may be suitable for use in any application where over- dispensing a substance could cause a hazard and/or mess and/or waste and therefore expense . It is envisaged that adults and/or children may be able to use the invention and realise its benefits.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
• Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

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Cited By (2)

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• 2013
  • 2013-06-25 GB GB201311231A patent/GB201311231D0/en not_active Ceased
• 2014
  • 2014-06-23 WO PCT/GB2014/051913 patent/WO2014207441A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2014-06-23 EP EP14742288.5A patent/EP3013704B1/de active Active

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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