EP3060191A1

EP3060191A1 - A dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP3060191A1
Application number: EP14856616.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Julie-Anne Mayer; Glen Mayer; Allan James Hooworth; Michael Edward Philip RUSSELL
Original assignee: Jag Mayer Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Jag Mayer Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-10-22
Filing date: 2014-10-22
Publication date: 2016-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 2034-10-22
Also published as: CN105934230A; AU2020200780B2; EP3060191B1; CA2928217C; CA2928217A1; EP3060191A4; AU2014339751A1; WO2015058244A1; CN105934230B; EP3060191C0; AU2020200780A1

Abstract

A kit of parts for a feeder [1] has a body [2] and a bung [8] which can slide within the body [2]. A periphery of the bung [8] can form a sliding seal between that periphery and the internal side walls of the tubular body [2]. A base cap [11] has an aperture [12] through it and is mountable at a lower end [4] of the body [2] to substantially occlude that end [4] and to allow airflow through the aperture [12] into the body [2] as the bung [8] moves away from the lower end [4] of the body [2]. The kit of parts has a teat mouthpiece [9] for liquid foods, a sipper mouthpiece [41] for pureed food and a spout mouthpiece [51] for mashed food and a pump attachment [61]. The pump attachment [61] has a pump and a spoon [63]. The pump has a pump bung [72] which moves reciprocatingly within the body [2] and which forms a sliding seal with the internal side walls of the body [2]. A valve [77] allows food to flow from the feeder [1] but prevents the flow of food into the feeder [1]. A feeder [1] is also disclosed.

Description

A DISPENSER

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2013904071 in the name of JAG Mayer Ply Ltd, which was filed on 22 October 2013, entitled "A Dispenser" and to Australian Innovation Patent No. 2013101385 in the name of JAG Mayer Ply Ltd, which was filed, on 22 October 2013, entitled "A Dispenser' and the specifications thereof are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for ail purposes,

Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to bottles and like containers which are suitable for use as feeders, it is particularly suitable for the feeding of infants and of people who are suffering from disabilities, such as, persons who are recovering from facial or dental surgery and the incapacitated elderly, however, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use, only. For example, embodiments of the present- invention are also suitable for use as dispensers of material other than foods, Background of the Invention

[0003] Common problems at. infant feeding time are the mess created, the wasted food and the time spent cleaning up. There is a need for a re-usable feeding dispenser that is non-spill, easy to fill and easy to clean. Parents also need a container tha they can give to toddlers so thai they can feed themselves independently.

[0004] Single-use packaging for ready to eat baby foods are accordingly a popular choice for today's parents. A trip down the baby/toddler aisle at the supermarket will confirm this by the sheer numbers of brands and the different types of foods being offered in these packages. Yoghurts, smoothies, fruit jellies, porridge, bolognese, creamy chicken and vegetable purees are just a few of the ready-to-eat meals and snacks that are being offere in these single use packages. [0005] More recently, re-usable squeezable silicone type containers have entered the marketplace giving parents the option of feeding their children homemade meals in transportable feeding dispensers. However the solution provided, by these dispensers is in itself flawed. The inability to empty the entire contents out of these containers is both frustrating and wasteful. Also toddlers are able to create a mess when given these containers by excessivel squeezing the food out onto themselves and onto their environment, such as the floor, walls car seats and the like.

[0006] It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

Summary of the In vention

[0007] in contrast to any related or prior art noted herein, in one aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a kit of parts for a dispenser of material, comprising: a tubular body of substantially invariant internal cross -sectional shape;

a bung which:

is adapted to slide within the tubular body; and

has a periphery which is adapted to form a sliding seal between that periphery and the internal side walls of the tubular body; and a base cap having an aperture through it, the base cap being adapted:

for mounting .at a first end of the tubular body so as to substantially occlude that end; and

to aliovv airflow through the aperture into the tubular body as the bung moves in. a direction away from the first end of the tubular body.

[0008] it Is preferred that the material is food or drink.

[0009] It is preferred that the kit of parts further comprise at least one mouthpiece attachment which is adapted for readily-detachable mounting to a second end of the tubular body, [001.0] It is preferred that the kit of parts further comprise a pump attachment, the ptvmp attachment comprising a pum which is adapted for readily-detachable mounting to the second end. of the tubular body and. which is adapted to pump material out of the tubular body.

[001.1] it is preferred that the pump attachment further comprise a spoon which is mounted on tiie pump attachment and which is adapted to receive material which the pump pumps out of the tubular body. [0012] I is preferred that the kit of parts further comprise a to cap which is mountable to the dispenser to cover at least one of a mouthpiece attachment and the pamp attachment.

[001.3] it. is preferred that the kit of parts further comprise a valve which is mountable in the dispenser to permit airflow only in the direction from the exterior of the tabular body to the interior of the tubular body,

[0 14] It is preferred tha the kit of parts further comprise a valve which is mountable at the second end of the tubular bod so as to permit the flow of material only in the direction from the interior of the tubular body to the exterior of the tubular body.

[0035] It is preferred that the valve to permit the flow of material only in the direction from the interior of the tubular body is weaker than is the valve to permit airflow only in the direction from the exterior of the tubular body.

[0016] It is preferred that the tubular body is substantially circular in internal cross- section,

[0017] it is preferred that the periphery which is adapted to form the sliding seal comprises at least one of:

a radially-extending circumferential seal;

a radially-extending scraping and sealing blade; and

a radially-extending locating and alignment ring which is located between the radially-extending circumferential seal and the radially-extending locating and alignment ring,

[0018] It is preferred, that the radially-extending circumferential seal is formed separately from the bung.

[001 ] It is preferred that at least one of:

the -radially-extending scraping and sealing blade; and

the radially-extending locating and alignment ring

is .formed integrally with the bang.

[0020] It is preferred that the base cap is adapted to serve as a mounting- for the top cap so as not to substantially occlude the airflow through the aperture into the tubular body.

[0021] It is preferred thai the base cap comprises:

a central body, the periphery of which carries longitudinally-running channels; and an outer peripheral skirt which surrounds the periphery of the central body, the base cap being adapted to receive a peripheral edge of the top cap between the longitudirtally-runriing channels and the outer peripheral skirt.

[0022] It is preferred that the at least one mouthpiece attachment is one of:

a teat mouthpiece which is adapted to allow the flow of a liquid through it;

a sipper mouthpiece which is adapted to allow the flow of pureed material, through it; and

a spout mouthpiece which is adapted to allow the flow of mashed material through it.

[0023] It is preferred that the sipper mouthpiece comprises a body which has a blunt end which is pierced by a slit in that blunt end.

[00.24] It is preferred that the body of the sipper mouthpiece is substantially elliptical in Cross-section. [0025] It is preferred that the spout mouthpiece comprises:

a base;

an open-ended spout which extends from the base; and

a valve in the base which allows flow of materia! into the spout.

[0026] it is preferred that the pump comprises:

a pump b ng which:

is adapted fo reciprocating movement along the longitudinal axis of the tubular body; and

has a periphery which is adapted to form a sliding seal betwee that periphery and the internal side walls of the tubular body

a valve which is adapted to allow the flow of materia! from the interior of the tubular body as the pump bung moves into the pump body but to prevent the flow of mat erial, in to the interior of the- tubular body as the pump bung moves out of the pump body; and

biasing means to bias the pump bung to move in a direction out of the pump body.

[0027] It is preferred that the biasing means comprises a helical spring, [0028] it is preferred that the helical spring is mounted in a housing which comprises: a spring stop relative to which the pump bung is longitudinally moveable; and a spring top cap:

relative to which the pump bung is fixed; and

which is reciprocally moveable within the spring stop.

[0029] It is preferred, that the pump attachment further comprises a pump tube which is adapted to deliver material from the outlet of the a valve which is adapted to allow the flow of material from the interior of the tubular body to the spoon. [0030] it is preferred that the spring stop and the spring top cap are mounted substantially co-axialiy around the pump tube. [0031.] in another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a dispenser for the dispensing of material, the dispenser being assembled from the kit of parts which is summarized above,

[0032] in another aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a pump attachment for a dispenser of material comprising a pump which is adapted for mounting to the dispenser, the dispenser comprising a tubular body, the pump attachment being adapted to pump material out of the dispenser.

[0033] it. is preferred that the pump attachment further comprise a spoon which is mounted on the pump attachment and which is adapted to receive material which the pump pumps out of the dispenser.

[0034] It. is preferred that the pump comprises:

a pump bung which;

is adapted for reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis of the tubular body; and

has a periphery which is adapted to form a sliding seal between that periphery and internal side walls of the tubular body;

a valve which is adapted to allow the flow of material from the interior of the tubular body as the pump bung moves into the tubular body but to prevent the flow of material into the interior of the tubular body as the pump bung moves out of the tubular body; and

biasing means to bias the pump bung to move in a direction out of the tubular body,

[0035] It is preferred that the biasing means comprises a helical spring,

[0036] it is preferred that the helical spring is mounted in a housing which, comprises: a spring stop relative to which the pump bung Is longitudinally moveable; and a spring top cap:

relative to which the pump bung is fixed; and

which is reciprocally moveable within the spring stop. [0037] it is preferred that the pump attachment further comprises a pump tube which is adapted to deliver material from the outlet of the a valve which is adapted to allow the flow of material from the interior of the tubular body to the spoon.

[0038] it is preferred thai the spring stop and the spring top cap are mounted substantially co-axially around the pump tube.

[0039] It will be seen that embodiments of the present invention provide a non- squeezabie re-usable feeding dispenser, which, offers the same benefits as the squeezable dispensers as well as solutions to common wastage problems such as: toddlers excessively squeezing contents from flexible dispensers, the inability to get all of the contents out of the dispensers and spoons and/or bowls being knocked to the floor.

Brief description of the drawings

[0040] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how it may be carried into effect, embodiments of it are shown, by way of non-limiting example only, in the accompanying drawings. In. the drawings:

Figure I A is an eievational view of an embodiment of the invention:

Figure IB is a cross-sectional, view of the embodiment of figure I A;

Figures IC and I E are eievational views of preferred forms of the embodiment of figure 1 A;

Figure ID is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure IC;

Figure IF is an exploded view of the embodiment of figure 1A;

Figure 1 G is a top view o the embodiment of figure 1A;

Figure 1 H is a view from below of the embodiment of figure 1A;

Figure 2A is an eievational view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 2A;

Figure 2C is an exploded view of the embodiment of figure 2A;

Figure 3 A is an eievational view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment, of figure 3A;

Figures 3C and 3E are eievational views of preferred forms of the embodiraent of figure 3 A;

Figure 3D is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 3C;

Figure 3F is an exploded view of the embodiment of figure 3 A;

Figure 3G is a top view of the embodiment of figure 3A;

Figure 4 A is an elev ationai view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 4A;

Figures 4C and 4E are elevationai views of preferred forms of the embodiment of figure 4A;

Figure 4D is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 4C;

Figure 4F is an exploded vie of the embodiment of figure 4A;

Figure 4G is a top view of the embodiment of figure 4 A;

Figure 5 A is an. elevationai view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 5 A;

Figures 5C and 5E are elevationai views of preferred, forms of the embodiment of figure 5 A;

Figure 5D is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 5C;

Figure 5F is an exploded view of the embodiment of figure 5 A;

Figure 5G is a top view of the embodiment of figure 5A;

Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional, views illustrating aspects of the operation of the embodiment of figure 5 A;

Figure 7 A is an elevationai. view of an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of figure 7 A;

Figure 7C is an. exploded view of the embodiment of figure 7A; and

Figure 7D is top view of the embodiment of figure 7A.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0041] The embodiments of the feeder 1 that are illustrated in figures 1 A to 1G comprise: a base cap 1 1 , a valve carrier 14, a movable bung 8, a tube 2, a teat mouthpiece 9 and an upper collar 1 .

[0042] Although the tube 2 of figures 1 A to I F is circular in cross-section, it may have any cross-section, so long as that cross-section is substantially constant throughout its entire length. The tube 2 has upper and lower open ends 3 and 4 and earri.es screw threads 6 and 7 adjacent those upper and lower ends. Although the screw threads 6 and 7 of figures 1 A to 10 are external to the tube 2, those screw threads may be internal to the tube 2. An over-moulding 5 encases a substantial portion of the exterior surface of the tube 2 between the upper and lower screw threads 6 and 7. The lower end of the upper screw thread 6 terminates- in. a thread stop 20 to aid in the orientation of components whic are mounted on that screw thread.

[0043] The tube 2 of figures 1A to IF is symmetrical, in the sense that the screw threads 6 and 7 are identical. According to alternative embodiments of the invention which are not illustrated in the drawings, the feeder 1 is constructed so that it is not symmetrical in this sense so that the user may identify different "top" and "bottom" ends. The identification of different "top" and "bottom" ends of the tube 2 is useful in the ease where the tube 2 is marked with scale to indicate- the volume of the contents of the feeder 1.

[0044] The moveable bung 8 is moveable longitudinally within the tube 2 and comprises a top 22, an upper blade 23, an intermediate blade 24 and a lower blade 26. Each of the blades 23, 24 and 26 extends around the periphery of the bung 8 and extends radially from the- bung 8. The tolerances between the movable bung 8 and the inner surface of the t ube 2 are such as to form a sliding seal between the movable bung 8 and the tube 2. The movable bung 8 is preferably constructed of a plastics polymer with a rubber over-mould to create a seal and to provide friction with the tube 2. This friction helps to support the movable bung 8 from moving downward. The top 22 of the movable bung 8 is shaped substantially to complement the underside of the teat mouthpiece 9. This helps to reduce the amount of contents left in the tube 2 when the movable bung 9 has reached the top of the tube .2 and is resting hard up against the underside of the mouthpiece 9, The blades 23, 24 and 26 around the movable bung S scrape along the inside wall of the tube 2 as the movable bung 8 moves up towards the mouthpiece 9, leaving virtually none of the contents behind.

[0045] A base cap 1 is mounted at the lower open end 4 of the tube 2 and prevents the movement of the bung 8 out of that end. For this purpose the base cap 1 1 carries an iniernal screw thread .18 which matches the external screw thread 7 of the tube 2. The base cap 1 1 is pierced by a an air hole 12.

[0046] The base cap 11 also retains a valve carrier 14 in place over the lower open end 4 of the tube 2. The valve carrier 14 has a peripheral region 15, a valve 16 and a pull-tab 10. Preferred forms of the valve 16 include a "dome valve" and a "sphere valve". As is illustrated in the drawings, a dome valve (such as valve 16 as is illustrated in the drawings) comprises a dome portion the periphery of which is contiguous with a cylindrical portion. A sphere valve is not illustrated in the drawings but it comprises a portion which is substantially more than half of a hollow sphere, the periphery of which is contiguous with a cylindrical portion. A dome valve accordingly has a shallower shape compared to the spherical valve. The functional difference between the two valves is thai the spherical valve is significantly stronger than is the dome valve with regards to back pressure.

[0047] The valve 16 is in alignment with the air hole 12 in the base cap 1 1 . It permits the ready flow of air from the exterior of tube 2 into the interior of that tube and substantially prevents the flow of air in the opposite direction. The air is then trapped in the tube 2 by the one-way valve 1 , keeping the bung 8 in place by not allowing it to fall downward. The pull-tab 0 enables easy removal of the valve carrier 14, such as for cleaning. As is shown if figure IH, the base cap 1 1 comprises an outer peripheral skirt 25 which surrounds the periphery of a central body 30. The periphery of the central body 30 is formed into longitudinally-running channels 17.

[0048] An upper collar 19 has a internal screw thread 21 which matches the external screw thread 6 of the tube 2. The upper collar 19 retains a teat mouthpiece 9 in place over the upper open end 3 of the tube 2. The teat mouthpiece 9 has a teat 27 whic projects outwardly from the mouthpiece base 28 and the peripheral area of the base 28 is gripped between, the tube 2 and the upper collar 19. The teat 27 is pierced or slit in the known manner of teats for baby feeding bottles.

[0049] As is illustrated in figures 1C, I D and IE, it is preferred to provide a cap 31 which can be placed over the teat mouthpiece 9 for protection and to aid in the prevention of spillages. A substantially cylindrical protrusion 32 depends from the inner top surface of the cap 31 to bold an upper region of the teat 27. The cylindrical protrusion. 32 seals off around the teat to reduce the risk of the spillage of material from the teat. The ca 31 is detachably held in place by being an interference fit over the upper collar 19, As is illustrated in figure IE, the cap 31 can be stored adjacent the lower end 4 of the tube 2 by retention between the outer skirt 25 and the centra! body 30 of the base cap 1.1. The channels- 17 in the central body 30 allow air to flow from the exterior, around the edge of the cap 31 and through the air hole 12 into the tube 2,

[0050] As is illustrated in figures 2A to 2C, it is preferred to provide a funnel 34 to aid in the loading of material into the feeder 1 , The funnel 34 has a handle 36 which protrudes from the upper periphery of the funnel. It is preferred that the stem 37 of the funnel be a close fit within the upper open end 3 of the tube 2.

[0051] The embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in figures 3A to 3G differ from the embodiments of figures 1A to I G in that the teat mouthpiece 9 has been replaced by a sipper mouthpiece 41. The sipper mouthpiece 41 is hollow and. comprises a base 42 from which extends a sipper body 43 which is preferably substantially elliptical in cross - section and which terminates in a blun end 44. The blunt end 44 is pierced by a slit 46 which extends across an. axis of that end and operates in the same manner as do teats for baby feeding bottles.

[0052] The embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in fi gures 4A to 4G differ from the embodiments of figures 1 A. to I G in that the teat mouthpiece 9 has been replaced by a spout mouthpiece 51. The spout mouthpiece 51 comprises an open-ended spout 53 which extends upwardly from a base 52, A valve 54 in the base 52 allows for one-way flow of material from the tube 2 into the spout 53. The purpose the valve 54 is to prevent contents of the feeder 1 from spilling out when the feeder is on its side or upside down. This valve is designed to be weaker than the one-way air valve 16 located in the movable bung 8, to enable the contents of the feeder 1 to dispense smoothly.

[0053] The embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in figures 5A to 5G differ from the embodiments of figures IA to I G in that the teat mouthpiece 9 has been replaced by a spoon pump attachment 1. [0054] The spoosi pump attachment 61 allows parents to feed their infants single- handedly, whilst also promoting utensil education for the infant.

[0055] The spoon pump attachment 61 comprises a spoon 63 and a pump. The pumps dimensioned to dispense just enough contents to fill the spoon 63. The spoon 63 comprises a spoon head 68 and a spoon rube 64 so that the spoon head 68 is in communication with the hollow interior of the spoon tube 64. A spoon trigger 67 projects substantially radially from the spoon tube 64, The pump comprises the top cap pump pack 68, the helical spring 71, the pump bung 72 and the pump one way valve 77. The structure and function of the various components of the of the spoon pump attachment are as follows

Spoon top cap 62

[0056] A spoon top cap 62 snap fits onto the feeder 1, protecting the spoon 63 when it is not in use, it can also be clipped into the base cap 1 1 during use.

Spoon 63

[0057] The spoon 63 clips onto the top cap pump pack 68, It has a tube 64 that fits into the pump bung 72 and opens onto the spoon head 66. The contents of the feeder 1 will travel through the tube 64 onto the spoon head 66. Underneath the tube 64 at the back of the spoon head 66 is the spoon trigger 67 where the user applies pressure to engage the pump mechanism.

To cap pu mp pack 68

[0058] A top cap pump pack 68 is fitted to the pump bung 72 with a quick release bayonet fitting. The bayonet fitting comprises the bayonet slots 74 in the pump bung tube 73 and corresponding projections 60 within the top cap pump pack 68. Together with the spring stop 69 it houses the spring 71 , The top of the pump bung 72 and the tube 64 of the spoon run through the middle of the top cap pump pack 68, spring 71 and spring stop 69.

Spring 71 [0059] The coil spring 71. s fitted to the spring stop 69 and housed in the top cap pump pack 68. Its purpose is to return the spoon 63, top cap pump pack 68 and pump hung 72 back to its original position, Spring Stop 69

[0060] The spring stop 69 is fastened to the feeder tube 2 by the pump collar 68. Its purpose is to house the spring 71 and attach the pump mechanism to the tube 2.

Pump Collar 78

[0061] The threaded pump collar 78 fastens the spoon pump attachment 61 to the lube 2. It has an extended collar that reaches above the top cap pump pack 68 to the base of the spoon attachment 61. in. order to protect the user from pinching skin when pumping the spoon attachment 61. Pump B ig 11

[0062] The top of the pump bung 72 is a tube 73 that attaches to the top cap pump pack 68. The tube 64 of the spoon fits into the tube 73 at the top of the pump bung 72. The pump one-wa valve 77 clips into the base of the pump bung tube 73. The pump bung 72 comprises a body 75 which receives a radially-extending circumferential seal 76. The outer periphery of the seal 76 forms a sliding seal with the internal wall of the tube 2. A radially-extending location/alignment ring 79 is integrally formed with the body 75 below the circumferential seal 76 and a radially extending scraper/seal blade 80 is integrally formed with the body 75 below the location/alignment, ring 79. The circumferential seal 76, the location/alignment ring 79 and the scraper/seal blade 80 result in the pump bung 72 fitting tightly within, and sealing with, the tube 2.

[0063] When downward pressure is applied to the spoon trigger 67, the pump bung 72 will move downward inside the feeder tube 2. The contents will be force to squeeze through the pump one way-valve 77 out through the spoon tube 64 onto the spoon head 66. Pump One-way Valve 77

[0064] The pump one way valve 77 clips into the base of the pump bang tube 73. The pump one way valve 77 allows the contents of the feeder 2 to squeeze out onto the spoon 63, hut will not allow the contents to be sucked back into the tube 2. The pump one way valve 77 is designed to be weaker than the one way valve 16 which is fitted at the bottom of the feeder. This will allow a smoother feed of the contents dispensing, rather than a squirt,

[0065] The embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in figures 7A to 7D differ from the embodiments of figures I A to 1 G in that the teat mouthpiece 9 has been replaced by a storage cap 81. The storage cap 81 fits onto the top of the tube 2 and is held in place by the upper collar 19. The storage cap 81 is intended for use on. the tops of spare feeders and for the storage of feeders during travel or in refrigerators or in coolers.

[0066] The different mouthpieces are designed to accommodate different textures of materials. The teat mouthpiece 9 accommodates liquids, such as milk, water and juices. The sipper mouthpiece 41 accommodates purees, such as pureed vegetables, fruits, cereals, smoothies and yoghurt. The spout mouthpiece 51 accommodates mashes, such as mashed vegetables, fruits, proteins, and chunky soups,

[0067] The spoon pump attachment is designed to allow parents to feed their infants single-handedly, while also promoting utensil education for the infant. The spring-loaded pump is regulated to dispense just enough contents to f ll the attached spoon.

[0068] The presently-described embodiments of the invention are manufactured in any suitable material by any suitable process, but particularly preferred materials and processes for various components are set out in the following table.

Component Process Material

1 Tube 2 injection moulding Tritan copolyester

2 Over-moulding 5 Over moulding ABS (Acryloiiitriie butadiene styrene) 3 Bung 8 Ir eel ion mou W ng Polyurethane

4 ^'Feat 9 Injection moulding Silicones

5 Base cap 1 1 Injection moulding ABS

6 V al v e 16 Injection moulding Polyurethane

7 Collar 19 Injection mouldina ABS

10 Top cap 31 Injection moulding Tr tan copo i . ester

11 Funnel 34 Inj ection moulding ABS

12 Sipper mouthpiece 41 In j ection moulding Polyurethane

1.3 Spout mouthpiece 51 Over moulding Polyurethane

14 Spoon 63 Injection moulding Polyurethane

15 Spring stop 15 injection moulding ABS

1 Pump Bung 72 Injection moulding HDPE fhigh-densily polyethylene)

1.7 Pump one-way valve 77 Injection mouldina Polyurethane

18 Pump collar 78 Injection moulding ABS

19 Storage cap Inj ection moulding ABS

[0069] While the present invention has been described with reference to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of the inventio and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. Various modifications may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended, claims. As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered- in. all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended, to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to he illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced, hi the following claims, any particular means-plus- .function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts,, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

[0070] A reference to any prior art in this specif cation is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the referenced, prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the contex of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems b the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein,

[0071] Throughout this specification the use of the word "'inventor" in singular form may be taken as reference to one (singular) inventor or more than one (plural) inventor of the present invention.

[0072] Throughout this specification; the words "comprise", "comprised", "comprising" and "comprises" are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof,

[0073] in the claims, each dependent claim is to be read as being within the scope of its parent claim or claims, in the sense that a dependent claim is not to be interpreted as infringed unless its parent claims are also infringed.

Claims

A kit of parts for a dispenser of material comprising;

a tubular body of substantially invariant internal cross-sectional shape;

a bung which:

is adapted to slide within the tubular body; and

has a periphery which is adapted to form a sliding seal between that periphery and the internal side walls of the tubular body; and

a base cap having an aperture through, it, the base cap being adapted;

for mounting at a first end. of the tubular body so as to substantially occlude that end; and.

to allow airflow through the aperture into the tubular body as the bung moves in a direction away from the first end of the tubular body.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim I, in which the material is food or drink.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim i or claim 2. further comprising at least one mouthpiece attachment which is adapted for readily-detachable mounting to a second end of the tubular body,

A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pump attachment, the pump attachment comprising a pump which is adapted for readily-detachable mounting to the second end of the tubular body and which is adapted to pump material out. of the tubular body.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim 5 , in which the pump attachment further comprises a spoon which is mounted on the pump attachment and which is adapted to receive material which the pump pumps out of the tubular body.

A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a top cap which is mountabie to the dispenser to cover at least one of a mouthpiece attachment and the pump attachment.

A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the- receding claims, further comprising a valve which is xnountable in the dispenser to permit airflow only in the direction from the exterior of the tubular body to the interior of the tubular body,

A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a valve which is mountabie at the second end of the tubular body so as to permit the flow of material only in the direction from the interior of the tubular body to the exterior of the tubular body.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim 8 in which, the valve to permit the flow of material only in the direction from the interior of the tubular body is weaker than is the valve to permit airflow only in. the direction from the exterior of the tubular body.

A kit of parts as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the tubular body is substantially circular in internal cross-section.

A kit of parts as claimed any one of the preceding claims, in which the periphery which is adapted to form the sliding seal comprises at. least one of:

a radially-extending circumferential seal;

a radially-extending- scraping and- sealing blade; and

a radially-extending locating and alignment ring which is located between the radially-extending circiimferential seal and the radially-extending locating and alignment ring.

A kit of parts as claimed i claim 1 1 , in which the radially-extending

circumferential seal is formed separately from the bung.

A kit of parts as claimed in c laim 1 1 or c laim 12, in which at least one of

the radially-extending scraping and sealing blade; and

the radially-extending locating and alignment ring,

is formed integrally with the bung.

A kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 13, in which the base cap is adapted to serve as a mounting for the top cap so as not to substantially occlude the airflow through the aperture into the tubular body.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim 14, in which the base cap comprises:

a central body, the periphery of which carries- longitudinally-running channels: and

an outer peripheral skirt which surrounds the periphery of the central body, the base cap being adapted to receive a peripheral edge of the top cap between the l-ongitudinally-runnmg channels and the outer peripheral skirt

A kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 15 , in which the at least one mouthpiece attachment is one of:

a teat mouthpiece which is adapted to allow the flow of a liquid through it; a sipper mouthpiece which is adapted to allow the flow of pureed material through it; and

a spout mouthpiece which is adapted to allow the flow of mashe material through it.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim. 16, in. which the sipper mouthpiece comprises a body which has a blunt end which is pierced by a slit in that blunt end.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim 17 in which the body of the sipper mouthpiece is substantially elliptical in cross-section.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim 16, in which the spout mouthpiece comprises; a base;

an open-ended spent which extends from the base; and

a valve in the base which allows flow of material into the spout.

A kit of parts as claimed, in any one of claims 4 to ! 9, in which the pump is adapted for reciprocating movement along the longitudinal, axis of the tubular body; and

has a periphery which is adapted to form a sliding seal between that periphery and the internal side walls of the tubular body;

a valve which is adapted to allow the How of material from the interior of the tubular body as the pump bung moves into the pump body but to prevent the flow of material into the interior of the tubular body as the pump bung moves out of the pump body; and

biasing means to bias the pump bung to move in a direction out of the pump body,

A kit of parts as claimed in claim 20, in which the biasing means comprises a helical spring,

A kit of parts as claimed in claim 21, in which the helical spring is mounted in a housing which comprises:

a spring stop relative to which the pump bung is longitudinally moveable; and

a spring top cap:

relative to which the pump bung is fixed; and

which is reciprocally moveable within the spring stop,

A kit of parts as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, in which the pump attachment .further comprises a pump tube which is adapted to deliver material from the outlet of the valve which is adapted to allow the flow of material from the interior of the tubula body to the spoon.

A kit of parts as claimed in claim 23 in which the spring stop and the spring top cap are mounted substantially co-axially around the pump tube.

A dispenser of material, assembled from the kit of parts which is claimed in any

26. A pump attachment for a dispenser of material comprising a pump which is adapted for mounting to the dispenser, the dispenser comprising a tubular body, the pump attachment being adapted, to pump material out of the dispenser.,

27. A pump attachment for a dispenser a claimed in claim 26, further comprising a spoon which is mounted on the pump attachment and which is adapted to recei ve material which the pump pumps out of the dispenser.

28. A pump attachment for a dispenser as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, in which the pump comprises:

a pump bung which:

29. A pump attachment fo a dispenser as claimed in claim 28, in which the biasing means comprises a helical spring.

30. A pump attachment tor a dispenser as claimed in claim 29, in which the helical spring is mounted m a housing which comprises:

a spring stop relative to which the pump bung is longitudinally moveable; and

a spring top cap:

relative to which the pump bung is fixed; and which is reciprocally moveable within the spring stop. A pump attachment for a dispenser as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30, in which the pump attachment further comprises a pump tube which is adapted to deliver material from the outlet of the a valve which is adapted to allow the flow of materia] from the i nterior of the tubular bod to the spoon.

A pump attachment for a dispenser as claimed in claim 31, in which the spring stop and the spring top cap are mounted substantially co~axially around the pump tube.