GB2408036A

GB2408036A - Dispensing container for fluids

Info

Publication number: GB2408036A
Application number: GB0326654A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Curtis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-15
Filing date: 2003-11-15
Publication date: 2005-05-18
Also published as: GB0326654D0

Abstract

A container comprises a housing 10, at least part of the housing 10 being flexible, the housing 10 having an outlet 20 and an air inlet 24, and a flexible diaphragm 18 dividing the housing 10 into a first chamber 26 which communicates with the outlet 20 and a second chamber 28 which communicates with the air inlet 24. A fluid in the first chamber 26 may be dispensed through an outlet valve 22 on squeezing the container, air entering the second chamber 28 through the inlet on release of the container.

Description

Container This invention relates to a container, and in particular to a

container having at least one flexible wall or wall portion to allow the contents of the container to be dispensed by squeezing of the container.

S Containers of this type are commonly used in the storage and dispensing of relatively viscous fluids, for example sauces. One problem with containers of this type is that, when stored upright, the contents tend to settle at the bottom of the container. Whenitis desired to dispense some ofthe contents, simply inverting and squeezing the container often simply forces air out of the container rather than dispensing the product from the container.

It is an object of the invention to provide a container whereby the aforementioned disadvantages are overcome.

According to the present invention there is provided a container comprising a housing, at least part of the housing being flexible, the housing having an outlet and an air inlet, and a flexible diaphragm dividing the housing into a first chamber which communicates with the outlet and a second chamber which communicates with the air inlet.

Conveniently, the outlet and the air inlet are provided with valve arrangements to allow a product to escape from the first chamber and allow air to enter the second chamber but to prevent or restrict flow in the reverse direction.

In use, when a product contained in the first chamber is to be dispensed, the housing is squeezed, forcing the product out of the first chamber. Upon release, air is drawn into the second chamber. The diaphragm flexes to accommodate the change in relative sizes of the chambers. As air does not enter the first chamber, the disadvantage of known arrangements is avoided.

The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 illustrates the container of Figure 1 when almost empty.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a container in the form of a housing formed of a generally transparent, resiliently flexible plastics material. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 10 is formed in two parts 12, 14 which are sealed to one another atajoint 16. A flexible plastics materialdiaphragm 18islocatedwithinthe housing 10, the flexible diaphragm 18 also being secured to the housing at the joint 16.

The part 12 ofthe housing 10 is shaped to define an outlet 20, an outlet valve arrangement 22 being secured to die part 12 around the outlet 20. The part 14 ofthe housing 10 is shaped to define an air inlet valve 24. In use, the diaphragm 18 divides the housing 10 into a first chamber 26 and a second chamber 28. The first chamber 26 communicates with the outlet 20 and is adapted to receive a product to be dispensed from the container. Typically, the product will comprise a relatively S viscous fluid, for example salad cream, mayonnaise or tomato ketchup. It will be appreciated, however, that a range of other materials or products could be stored within and dispensed from the container, in use. The second chamber 28 communicates with the air inlet valve 24.

When the product is to be dispensed from the container, the housing 10 is squeezed. The presence of the inlet air valve 24 substantially prevents air from escaping from the second chamber 28, thus the action of squeezing the container 10 increases the pressure within the housing 10 urging the product out of the first chamber 26 through the outlet 20 and valve 22 into the desired location. Once the desired quantity of product has been dispensed, the housing lo is released and the inherent resilience thereofcauses the housing 10 to return to substantially its original shape. The presence of the valve 2 substantially prevents air from entering the first chamber 26 ofthe housing 10, and instead air enters the second chamber 28 through the air inlet valve 24 as th housing 10 expands to its original size and shape.

Obviously, the action of dispensing some of the product from the container causes a change in the relative volumes of the first and second chambers 26, 28 and this is accommodated by flexing of the flexible diaphragm 18.

As, in use, air does not enter the first chamber 26 or if air does enter this chamber, only a very small quantity of air enters the chamber, as the product is dispensed the diaphragm l 8 will move towards the position illustrated in Figure 2, keeping the product adjacent the outlet valve thus ensuring that during subsequent dispensing, a point is not reached at which squeezing of the housing simply causes the ejection of air from the housing.

The air inlet valve 24 and the outlet valve 22 may take a range of forms.

Each valve is intended to allow flow in one direction and to inhibit or significantly restrict flow in the reverse direction. By way of example, as illustrated, the outlet valve 22 is formed of a resilient, flexible material shaped to define two or more flaps 22_ between which is formed a slit 22_. During dispensing ofthe product, the flaps 22_ are urged apart, opening the slit 22_ to allow the product to be dispensed. Upon release of the housing 10, the reduction in pressure therein "sucks" the flaps 22_ towards one another, closing the slit 22_ to prevent or restrict air flow into the first chamber 26. The air inlet valve 24 is of similar form but the flaps thereof are formed integrally with the part 14, the flaps being designed to allow air flow into the second chamber 28 but to restrict the escape of air therefrom. it will be appreciated that a number of other valve designs are possible.

Although in the described embodiments the air inlet and the outlet are both ,q ups it will be appreciated that it may be possible to formed with non- reullll v" _, achieve some of the advantages of the invention whilst omitting one of the valves.

ii mav be possible to omit the air inlet valve 24 and instead

By way of example, .

simply provide a small opening in the housing 10 which may be closed, in use, by f nicer or thumb over the opening to prevent air escaping from the a user putting 1HS second chamber 28 whilst the housing is being squeezed to allow the product to be dispensed.

Although a specific embodiment of the invention has been described hereinbefore it will be appreciated that a wide range of modifications or alterations may be made thereto within the scope of the invention. By way of example, the shape ofthe bottle or the design or positioning ofthe valves could tee altered without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container comprising a housing, at least part ofthe housing being flexible, the housing having an outlet and an air inlet, and a flexible diaphragm dividing the housing into a first chamber which communicates with the outlet and a second chamber which cormnunicates with the air inlet.

2. A container as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the outlet is provided with an outlet valve arrangement to allow a product contained within the first chamber to be dispensed, but substantially prevent the entry of fluid into the first chamber through the outlet.

3. A container as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the air inlet is provided with a valve arrangement to allow air to enter the second chamber but to prevent or restrict flow in the reverse direction.

4. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing is of a flexible plastics material.

5. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm is of a flexible plastics material.

6. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm is secured to Me housing approximately mid-way along the length of the housing.

7. A container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.