GB2197643A - A dispenser for a flowable substance - Google Patents

Abstract

A table dispenser 10 for a flowable substance such as salt or pepper comprises at least one container 11 having an inner cylindrical container 12 which has a base 13 formed with a dispensing orifice 17. An outer sleeve 18 has a removable lid 24 and is connected to one end of an arm 21, the other end of which is connected to a valve element 16. A spring 19 is disposed between a portion 14 of the base 13 and the outer sleeve and urges the valve element upwards so as to close the orifice 17. Depression of the lid 24 moves the outer sleeve and thus the valve element downwards so as to open the orifice 17. <IMAGE>

Description

A Dispenser for a Flowable Substance The present invention relates to a dispenser for a flowable substance and more particularly but not exclusively to table dispensers for granular substances such as for example salt, pepper and spices generally.

In designing dispensers of the type in question the major technical problem lies in embodying a dispenser that is at the same time both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing, especially when it is wished to keep the cost of the product relatively low.

The requisite functional characteristics of the object are: convenience in use, ability to deliver the content in a uniform manner, easy filling, ability to preserve the content against weathering (moisture in particular) and functional dependability over time.

According to the present invention there is provided a dispenser for a flowable substance comprising a container for the substance which container has a base formed with a dispensing orifice, a valve element movable between a first position in which the valve element closes the dispensing orifice and a second position in which the valve element opens the dispensing orifice, spring means acting so as to urge the valve element into said first position and a lid adapted and arranged with respect to said valve element so that the depression of the lid moves the valve element into said second position against the force of the spring means.

Preferably said container comprises a cylindrical inner container formed with said base and surrounded by an outer sleeve which is mounted for motion lengthwise of said inner container and on one end of which said lid is engaged, said spring means being located between the other end of said outer sleeve and a portion of said inner container and said valve element being rigidly connected by an arm to said outer sleeve.

The structural and functional characteristics of the invention, and its advantages, will become more apparent from an examination of the following description referred to the appended drawings which show an illustrative and not limiting embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings: - Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view showing a dual container-delivery table dispenser embodied according to the innovative principles of the invention; - Figure 2 is a cross section taken through the line II-II of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a cross section taken through the line III-III of Figure 1: - Figure 4 is a cross section taken through the plane of line IV-IV of Figure 1; - and Figure 5 is a cross section taken through the plane of line V-V of Figure 1.

With reference to the drawings, the dispenser in question is indicated overall by 10 and features a dual container 11 though it can structurally also consist of a single container 11 - to which for the sake of simplicity the following description refers.

The container 11 comprises a cylindrical inner container 12 closed in its lower portion by a base 13 and open at its top, the substance to be dispensed being filled into the said chamber.

Through the intermediary of an annular moulding 14 the base 13 is raised off the surface on which the dispenser rests, to form a cavity 15. The cavity 15 houses a valve element 16 having an essentially truncated cone shape, which element 16 controls the outflow of the substance, for example salt or pepper, through a central orifice 17 formed in the base 13. The valve element 16 extends inside the chamber 12 as a spherical portion whose function will be explained subsequently.

The movement of the valve element 16 between the positions shown in Figures 1 and 4 is controlled by a cylindrical sleeve 18 fitted externally on the chamber 12, which can translate axially against the pressure of a spring 19.

The spring 19 acts between the moulding 14 and the lower border of the sleeve 18, and is protected by a peripheral covering fascia 20 which is featured on both the containers 11, surmounting the border of the sleeve 18.

The operational connection between the sleeve 18 and the valve element 16 is effected through the intermediary of a bell crank lever 21, the ends of which are secured respectively to the particulars 18-and 16. When, as in -the example illustrated, the dispenser consist structurally of two containers 11 interconnected by an intermediate Jointing element 22, the bell crank lever 21, which is star-shaped, is guided within a vertical slot 23 of the element 22 which is restrained to the covering fascia 20.

As the drawings clearly show, the sleeve 18 exceeds the chamber 12 in height and is closed in its upper portion by a removable lid 24, which is dome-shaped.

The manner of operation of the dispenser according to the invention, described above with reference to the drawings, is briefly as follows.

When it is wished to deliver the substance contained in one of the chambers 12 the dispenser is raised off the surface on which it stands and the relative lid 24 is depressed in the direction of the arrow F, as shown in Figure 4. Through the intermediary of the sleeve 18 and the bell crank lever 21, the valve element 16 is consequently lowered so as to uncover an annular passageway in the orifice 17, through which the finely granulated substance 25 issues by free fall.

It should be noted that the alternating movement of the valve element 17 causes its spherical portion 16 periodically to remove the substance in the vicinity of the orifice 17, thus keeping it in a permanently "fluid" state so as to obtain an optimal delivery.

It is also a fact worthy of note that the components 18 and 20 assure a satisfactory barrier,. particularly against moisture which could otherwise cause alteration to the content of the inner chamber 12.

By ceasing of the pressure on the lid 24, the spring 19 will bring the valve element 16 in the closed position of Figure 1.

Claims (4)

1. A dispenser for a flowable substance comprising a container for the substance which container has a base formed with a dispensing orifice, a valve element movable between a first position in which the valve element closes the dispensing orifice and a second position in which the valve element opens the dispensing orifice, spring means acting so as to urge the valve element into said first position and a lid adapted and arranged with respect to said valve element so that depression of the lid moves the valve element into said second position against the force of the spring means.

2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container comprises a cylindrical inner container formed with said base and surrounded by an outer sleeve which is mounted for motion lengthwise of said inner container and on one end of which said lid is engaged, said spring means being located between the other end of said outer sleeve and a portion of said inner container and said valve element being rigidly connected by an arm to said outer sleeve.

3. In combination, a dispenser as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 disposed next to and secured to a second dispenser.

4. A dispenser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.