GB2049062A - Dispensing container for pasty compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

A container comprises a tubular body 1 containing a piston 3 which, by means of a screw threaded spindle 2 actuated by a rotary cap 13, is displaceable along the body for squeezing pasty composition from the body cavity R through channels 16, an outlet passageway 6, and a mouthpiece 14. Ratchet means may be provided to impede reverse actuation of the cap. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Dispensing container for pasty compositions The invention refers to a dispensing container for pasty compositions and of the kind comprising a tubular body containing a piston which, by means of a screw threaded spindle actuated by a rotary handle, is displaceable along the body for squeezing pasty composition within the body out of a mouthpiece beyond one end of the body; the mouthpiece being provided at the end of a passageway which passes through an endwall of the body, which is connected to the interior of the body via at least one channel adjacent to the adjacent end of the spindle, and which extends inside a cap lying overlying the endwall, and in accordance with the invention the rotary handle of such a container is formed by the cap.

A container of this construction may be simple to produce and assemble from a few components in such a way that convenient single-handed operation is made possible. Thus the tubular body may be grasped in the hand by a user. The fingers not included in this firm grasp, such as the thumb and forefinger may then lie in the region of the cap which is made as a rotary handle adjacent to the mouthpiece and can readily be turned, and with it the spindle. The shape of the cap may be such that the tubular body forms adjacent to its endwall, an additional surface for guiding the rotation of the cap.

The container is suitable for storing and dispensing pasty compositions such as toothpaste, cream, food, glue, tinting colour or other compounds in the case of which delivery of the contents of the container is desired in doses.

The possibility exists of moulding the mouthpiece as well as the spindle onto the cap in one piece of material and this would lead to a simplified assembly demanding only a few components. The cap may be supported in a simple way by snapping into a central opening in the endwall of the body and is thus associated with it solidly for use. If the cap is substantially frustoconical, a rotary handle of high inherent strength can be realised with a small wall thickness. Furthermore, if the mouthpiece is at the tip of the frustocone, the shape may oRtically emphasise the mouthpiece as the delivery zone.

Preferably, the passageway is formed within a tubular section which is arranged as a coaxial extension of the spindle.

Since the piston and the spindle, prior to operation, are in screw threaded engagement, continuous actuation of the rotary handle in the wrong direction may sometimes lead to cutting away by the piston of a cover at the other end of the body, which cover may form one bearing for the spindle, or in some other way damage the mechanism.

To overcome this problem, it is proposed that a ratchet is associated with the motion of the spindle and impedes turning of the spindle in the sense opposite to that for displacing the piston towards the one end of the body.

A foolproof operation is thus achieved which avoids damage upon rotation of the spindle in the "wrong" direction. The difference in resistance to rotation, which is clearly perceptible upon turning the handle is an instruction towards functionally correct operation. The user is, with experience, more inclined to turn the handle in the direction in which it rotates easily, especially since in that case the contents immediately emerge at the mouthpiece.

In one simple construction, the ratchet is formed by saw-teeth on the upper side of a flange connected to the spindle and resting against the inside of the endwall, which, in the region of contact, is equipped with at least one projection engaging with the sawteeth, the contact between the flange and the endwall being maintained by the tubular section being coupled by a snap connection to the cap and being non-rotatable relatively to the cap, and by an edge of the cap being seated on the outside of the endwall. This construction has the advantage that the contents themselves serve as a means of silencing and also lubrication. Relatively smooth turning results in the case of correct operation, whilst in jumping over the ratchet teeth a rough difficult rotary motion can be experienced, which indicates to the user that he is actuating the rotary handle in the wrong direction.

In an alternative construction, the tubular section is supported in a sleeve in the endwall and a flange extends outwards from the tubular section and rests against a collar on the outside of the endwall; and the ratchet is provided by sawteeth on the collar and springy tongues on the flange which drag over the sawteeth. The springy tongues enable a particularly smooth ratchet action. In the association of the components it is also immaterial whether the tongues lie congruently with the snap-in recesses in the sawteeth, since they deflect springily and thus may snap-in later on in the rotation of the cap.

The tongues may be defined by slits lying in a secant shape, and carry at their free ends blocking lugs. Such slits and tongues can easily be produced during moulding. In order to obtain a balanced spring loading the tongues advantageously lie at points on the flange lying diametrically opposite one another.

The flange may be located in engagement with the collar by means of a central hub of the cap being inserted inside the tubular section and the outer edge of the cap being snapped over a shoulder protruding from the endwall.

Some examples of containers constructed in accordance with the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece end of one container; Figure 2 is an axial section through the one container; Figure 3 corresponds to part of Figure 2 but showing the piston in its position at an end of the container remote from the mouthpiece when the container is full; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mouthpiece end of a second container; Figure 5 is a shortened section corresponding to Figure 2 but through the second container; Figure 6 is an exploded view showing the connection between the spindle and the cap of the second container; Figure 7 is an enlarged detail of a ratchet of the second container; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a container cap, modified as compared with Figure 4;; Figure 9 is part of an axial section corresponding to Figures 2 and 5, but showing an alternative construction of container body end closure; Figure 10 is a section corresponding to Figure 5 but through a further container; Figure 11 is a side elevation of part of the tubular section, flange and ratchet of the Figure 10 container; and, Figure 12 is a plan of the parts shown in Figure 11.

The first illustrated container has a tubular body 1 with a central screw threaded spindle 2 passing through it A piston 3 runs on the spindle and acts as a pressure plate. The sliding edge face 3' of the piston is formed over part of its length as a sealing lip 4 having a slight outwards directed prestress.

The lip 4 extends continuously in the form of a ring on the side adjacent to the filling, and prevents turning of the piston with the spindle.

The pressure plate of the piston 3 is recessed centrally and forms a screw threaded bush 5 which cooperates with the spindle 2.

The spindle 2 is connected to a rotary handle D and has a tubular extension section 2' forming an outlet passageway 6 passing through the endwall 7 of the body. A cap 13 having a rotary mounting skirt 8 moulded on to it is pushed onto this tubular section 2' as a press fit. A design in one piece with the spindle 2 is also possible.

The cap 13, forming the rotary handle D, covers the end of the body 1, and is guided on the body sidewall W which, at least in this section, is cylindrical, and in addition bears by an annular supporting shoulder 22 upon the edge of the body.

Peripheral guidance of the rotary skirt in that way keeps the region of anchoring between the rotary handle D and the container body 1 largely free from transverse loadings. In this region, therefore, a simple snap connection is sufficient, preventing the axial withdrawal of the cap. For that purpose the cap 1 3 has an inwardly directed hub 9, moulded on to it centrally. The hub is recessed at its free end. The recessed section forms an external annular groove 10. The endface of this recessed section is shaped conically for facilitating the bringing about of the snap connection. An edge 7' of an opening 11 in the endwall 7, which on the insertion side exhibits a corresponding funnel shape, catches in the annular groove 10.

The latter receives in addition an annular seal 12 which bears against a shoulder 9' on the hub and covers the edge zone of the opening 11 so as to close it tightly. The resilience of the interp6sed seal also provides pressure contact between the contacting faces of the endwall 7 and the hub 9.

The cylindrical rotary skirt 8 continues via a frustoconical transition zone into a mouthpiece 14. This may be moulded in one piece of material with the cap or be pushed afterwards as a press fit onto the projecting tubular section 2' of the spindle 2. The mouthpiece is formed as a nozzle, which over the first third is formed cylindrically; this section then continues into a tapering zone which forms two sealing lips 1 5 which are urged resiliently together. The lips prevent the drying out of any contents in the mouthpiece 14 and the outlet passageway 6 lying in front of it. The restoring force is chosen to be such that with falling pressure inside the mouthpiece these lips squeeze off the delivery strand. The interior of the hub 9 is designated by H or, in later examples, by 31.The pasty filling can flow into the outlet passageway 6 via two discharge channels 1 6 running transversely in the tubular section 2' of the spindle.

After filling of the container body 1 the piston 3 is fitted onto the bottom free end 2" of the spindle 2 by means of a push on a snap connection. The bottom end of the container body 1 has a funnel shape which facilitates the introduction of the piston 3.

The end of the spindle is located by a bearing hollow 1 7 lying centrally in a body end lid closure 18, and by the piston 3 itself. The container closure has, with exception of the Figure 9 example, a cap shape. The outer edge is, as shown in Figure 2, formed into a bulge 19. The free end 2" of the spindle has a cross slit 20 for a length which is a little greater than the length of the screw threaded bush 5 of the piston 3. The slit has a double function: firstly it serves to make the screw thread on the end 2" of the spindle, which runs over the internal screw thread in the bush 5, more flexible. The width of slit corresponds to about twice the height of screw thread. Its second function consists in venting air trapped between the filling and the piston 3.The screw threaded sleeve 5 in accordance with the Figures 5 and 10 examples continues on the side of the piston adjacent to the filling a little beyond the pressure plate. This continuation beyond the internal screw thread is formed in a funnel shape to provide a self-centreing effect upon pushing on of the piston 3. In addition to this the free end 2' of the spindle is tapered.

After fitting of the piston the rear of the piston terminates level with the edge of the bottom opening in the container body. After this, or already at the time of the fitting of the piston, the container body 1 is closed off by means of the closure 1 8. The closure 1 8 is, in accordance with the constructions of Figures 5 and 10, snapped onto the sidewall W of the body which has an annular shoulder 25 projecting beyond it, over which engages an inwards-directed snap-on projection 26 on the closure 18, which forms a foot for the container to stand on. To facilitate pushing the closure on, a leading bevel 1' starting at the edge of the closure extends in front of the annular shoulder 25.

In the example shown in Figure 9 the corresponding edge zone is modified in such a way that the sidewall W of the container body continues into a foot, which projects outwards, with the annular shoulder 25 now lying on its inside and the edge of the closure 18, which is formed in this case in the shape of a flat disc, snapped into it. A leading bevel 1' which, however, now lies on the inside, extends in front or this annular shoulder 25 too.

Both of the container closures are provided with one or more negative pressure vent holes 21.

In the full state these holes 21 are closed by the edge of the piston next to the closure so that from that point no drying out of the filling is possible, say, by way of the cross slit 20.

The central bearing hollow 1 7 for the spindle end 2" is formed by a collar 18' moulded standing up from the closure 1 8. It projects into the bottom of the screw threaded bush 5, which part is free of internal threads. The contour of the hollow is complementary, at least at its upper edge, with the conical shape of the end 2" of the spindle.

The examples illustrated in Figures 4 to 12 are modified as follows, but similar parts in the various examples are given the same reference numerals.

The cap 1 3 forming the rotary handle D for the spindle 2 is connected by means of direct snap connection to the spindle 2 (Figure 5) or via the container body 1 , that is, indirectly (Figure 10).

In the Figure 5 example, the tubular section 2' of the spindle 2 passes from the interior of the container body outwards through the central opening 11 in the endwall 7. The extension is 90 chosen that there is a relatively large guide length for the cap 13 fitted by means of the snap connection. The section 2' is moulded directly onto the spindle and likewise a flange 27 which on the inside of the container body bears over a relatively large area against the endwall 7. The flange 27 has a diameter which corresponds with about twice the diameter of the spindle 2. A sufficiently large bearing area is thereby achieved, which accepts fully and without damage the loading upon snapping on of the piston 3.For carrying out the snap connection between the cap 13 and the section 2' cross-slits, lying diametrically opposite one another, extend from the end edge.

The end edge is, compared with the general diameter of the section 2', somewhat enlarged so that claws 29 extend outwards from it and engage over an annular step 30 in the mouthpiece cavity 31 of the cap 13. The thickened end edge has a peripheral taper. The opening 11 in the endwall 7 of the container body is also correspondingly formed in a funnel shape.

The section 2' which is made use of for the push-on snap connection is unscrew threaded. For carrying out a torsionally rigid association of the cap 13 and spindle 2 the section 2' exhibits longitudinal ribs 32. The latter dig into the mouthpiece cavity 31 or engage in longitudinal grooves 33 in the cavity 31.

The longitudinal ribs 32 lie close to the peripheral openings of the cross-slits 28. This means that the movement of the claws 29 is unimpeded for optimum springing out, so that they can engage fuily over the corresponding sections of the annular step 30.

The mouthpiece cavity 31, in the Figure 5 example, continues coaxially beyond the step 30 into the mouthpiece 14. In the Figure 8 example the mouthpiece 14 has an outlet channel 34 which lies perpendicular to the axis y-y of the screw and terminates about level with the edge of the cap. The projecting section 13" of the cap needed for carrying the channel is so designed that it forms an actuating face 35 clearly contrasting with the funnel shape. The back of it then drops back directly behind the outlet channel 34 and continues behind it again into the funnel shape. The cap 13 in accordance with Figure 4 too has such an actuating face 35.

The cap 1 3 in the case of these constructions forms a hub 9 moulded on centrally, pointing in the direction of the end wall 7 and ending in front of it. The hub is recessed at its free end. The recessed section forms an external annular groove 10 and open towards the filling cavity. The annular groove 10 receives a correspondingly annular seal 12 for avoiding leakage losses in the case of large tolerances. A peripheral covering of the annular groove receiving the seal 12 is formed in the Figure 5 example by a collar 36 moulded onto and projecting from the endwall 7. The collar lies concentrically with the opening 11 in the endwall and forms an additional external bearing for the hub 9 and hence the cap 13.For facilitating the carrying out of the respective plug connection and in order in particular at the time of assembly to protect the seal 12, the inner edge of the collar 36 is formed in a funnel shape. The seal 12 is, for example, a rubber ring.

The seal may project a little beyond the bottom edge of the hub. The corresponding resilience of the interposed seal then acts in the direction of contact pressure between the faces of the endwall 7 and the hub 9 where they touch, so that they can lift springily apart.

Between the spindle 2 and the means supporting it a ratchet A is in some cases, interposed, which impedes or blocks turning of the spindle in one direction. The flange 27 moulded onto the spindle exhibits for that purpose on its face next to the endwall 7 a crown of sawteeth 37. These each present a long leading bevel 37t and a steep back step. The teeth advantageously cooperate with three projections 38 arranged at equal angular pitch as catchribs on the endwall 7.

In the correct direction of rotation (arrow) the leading bevels 37' slide smoothly over the catchribs 38 but in the opposite direction the movement is perceptibility rough or even blocked.

In the Figure 10 example the spindle 2 is introduced from outside through the endwall 7 so that the ratchet A in this case lies on the cap side of the wall 7. The flange 27 projecting outwards from the spindle and moulded onto the tubular section 2' of the spindle, rests upon an annular collar 40, which projects from, and is moulded integrally with, endwall 7 and extends concentrically with the axis y-y of the container.

The end edge of the collar exhibits sawteeth 37.

These sawteeth 37 arranged after the style of a crown each also present a long leading bevel 37' and a steep back step. The sawteeth 37 cooperate with springy tongues Z on the flange 27 which is supported so as to be axially immovable.

The tongues Z are produced by slits 41 lying in a secant shape in the flange 27. Two tongues Z lying diametrically opposite one another are advantageously provided, which form blocking lugs 42 projecting in the direction of the sawteeth.

Their ends drop away steeply so that upon the execution of a turning motion of the handle in the wrong direction of rotation they come to a rigid stop against the steep backs of the sawteeth.

The flange 27 bears against the upper end edge of the central opening 11 which is formed into a sleeve 43. The edge portion of the plate forming the tongues is reduced in its thickness so that particularly springy tongues Z are formed.

The position of the flange 27 resting on the toothed end edge of the collar 40 is secured by the hub 9 of the cap 13 being inserted inside the tubular section 2' of the spindle 2 so as to be torsionally rigid, e.g., by application of the rib/ groove engagement described in relation to Figure 6, and by the outer edge 44 of the cap 13 engaging over an annular shoulder 45 on the body 1. This shoulder 45 is moulded onto the endwall 7 at its edge. Fixing is achieved by means of a snap connection. The outer edge 44 of the cap 13 exhibits for that purpose an annular rib 46 directed inwards, which may if necessary be interrupted.

This annular rib engages in a peripherally open annular groove 47 in the shoulder 45. The engagement is carried out with a little play so that the ability of the cap 13 to turn is not impaired.

The real edge of the cap rests upon an annular shoulder which is recessed in relation to the upper side of the endwall (cf. Figure 10), the step in which is made use of as a limiting stop for the maintenance of the rotary play between the annular rib 46 and the groove 47. The hub 9 is recessed. Its shoulder comes against the end edge of the section 2' of the spindle 2. The engaging plug projection may also be introduced with a press fit since the plate 27 embraces this zone like a tyre and hence rigidly.

The rotary handle D is in the case of both embodiments (Figures 5 and 10) covered by a protective outer cap 48. This may be fitted either by means of a snap connection (Figure 5) or else by a screw connection (Figure 10). In both cases a stopper 49 extends from inside the cover of this cap and engages either in or over the mouthpiece.

By this means drying out of the filling is safely avoided.

All of the components are produced from plastics material.

The contents of the container body are in use forced out by rotary displacement of the handle D in the direction of the arrow, whereby the piston forces the pastry composition out of the receiver space R, via the two channels 1 6, into the outlet passageway 6 whence the composition passes through the mouthpiece 14 in the case of sufficient internal pressure. In the case of the version of the cap in accordance with Figure 8 the composition then escapes via the outlet channel 34 lying transversely. The turning motion in that case confers the advantage of the scraping off of the filling at the point of transfer. This cap is therefore advantageously made use of in the case of dispensers of cosmetics, whilst the solutions in accordance with Figues 1, 5 and 10 are preferred for, e.g., toothpaste, where spreading-on of the composition is less required, but rather an accurate placing'on the tips of the bristles of the toothbrush.

As is made clear in Figure 1 the rotary skirt 8 may exhibit an actuating projection 23, such as a protuberance with a hollow 24 for insertion of the thumb on the actuating hand. The projection 23 corresponds approximately with a corner region of the square circumscribing the circular tubular container. Thus this projection does not increase the need of storage space or packing space, and indeed in the case of a cylindrical container lying down forms an effective protection against rolling off the supporting surface.

Claims (11)

1. A dispensing container for pasty compositions, the container comprising a tubular body containing a piston which, by means of a screw threaded spindle actuated by a rotary handle, is displaceable along the body for squeezing pasty composition within the body out of a mouthpiece beyond one end of the body; the mouthpiece being provided at the end of a passageway which passes through an endwall of the body, which is connected to the interior of the body via at least one channel adjacent to the adjacent end of the spindle, and which extends inside a cap lying overlying the endwall, characterized in that the rotary handie is formed by the cap.

2. A container according to claim 1, in which the passageway is formed within a tubular section which is arranged as a coaxial extension of the spindle.

3. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the cap extends from the sidewall of the tubular body.

4. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cap is supported by snapping into a central opening in the endwall.

5. A container according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cap is substantially frustoconical.

6. A container according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which a ratchet is associated with the motion of the spindle and impedes turning of the spindle in the sense opposite to that for displacing the piston towards the one end of the body.

7. A container according to claim 6, when dependent on claim 2, in which the ratchet is formed by sawteeth on the upper side of a flange connected to the spindle and resting against the inside of the end wall, which, in the region of contact, is equipped with at least one projection engaging with the sawteeth, the contact between the flange and the endwall being maintained by the tubular section being coupled by a snap connection to the cap and being non-rotatable relatively to the cap, and by an edge of the cap being seated on the outside of the endwall.

8. A container according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 2, in which the tubular section is supported in a sleeve in the endwall and a flange extends outwards from the tubular section and rests against a collar on the outside of the endwall; and ratchet is provided by sawteeth on the collar and springy tongues on the flange which drag over the sawteeth.

9. A container according to claim 8, in which the tongues are defined by slits lying in a secant shape, and carry at their free ends blocking lugs.

10. A container according to claim 8 or claim 9, in which the flange is located in engagement with the collar by means of a central hub of the cap being inserted inside the tubular section and the outer edge of the cap being snapped over a shoulder protruding from the endwall.

11. A container according to claim 1, substantially as described with reference to any one of the examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings.