GB2604911A

GB2604911A - A dispenser

Info

Publication number: GB2604911A
Application number: GB2103811.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jones-Ford Nicholas
Original assignee: Nicholas Jones Ford
Current assignee: Nicholas Jones Ford
Priority date: 2021-03-18
Filing date: 2021-03-18
Publication date: 2022-09-21
Also published as: GB202103811D0

Abstract

A dispenser comprises: a squeezable container 103 which has a nozzle 101, a one-way air inlet valve 105 and a removable lid 102. The lid 102 is removed to open the container 103 so that it can receive a sealed flexible bag 104 containing a product to be dispensed. In use the product is squeezed from the flexible bag 104 via an outlet formed in the flexible bag. The outlet allows product to flow through the nozzle 101 when the container 103 is squeezed. The one-way air inlet valve 105 allows air into the container 103 as it recovers from a squeezed condition to a relaxed condition. The air inlet valve 105 may be removable.

Description

A Dispenser

Field

The present invention relates to a dispenser. More particularly, but not exclusively the dispenser is of the type used to dispense liquids, pastes and flowable products, for example mayonnaise and sauces.

Backqround A number of different dispensers exist for containing and dispensing flowable products, including foodstuffs such as sauce and pastes Principally these dispensers are formed from glass or synthetic plastics materials There is an ever increasing pressure placed on suppliers and manufacturers to reduce the amount of single use packaging, especially when made form synthetic plastics.

There is also increasing legislation in many jurisdictions, from an environmental perspective, in an attempt to reduce the tonnage of single use plastics packaging which are sent to landfill and discarded which has resulted in pollution of oceans and the environment.

Prior Art

An example of a packaging product which is used to store and dispense substances, such as sauces and in particular tomato ketchup, is described in International patent application number W02008071739 (Unilever plc).

The packaging product is for use in dispensing flowable materials such as those used in food service and restaurants. The packaging product includes a combined bottle liner and food product contained within a liner pouch. By squeezing the external bottle, flowable material such as mayonnaise, is dispensed.

The present invention arose in order to the amount of single use plastics materials that are used in packaging. In particular the invention reduces the amount of waste plastics material used in packaging with a view to increase the relative amount of plastics materials that are re-used in individual items.

Another aim of the present invention is to provide an improved dispenser which has superior bio-security and so is more hygienic to use than existing dispensers especially in cafes and restaurants.

A further aim of the invention is to provide an improved dispenser which reduces wastage of product which is to be dispensed.

A yet further aim of the invention is to provide an improved dispenser which lends itself to being used in a recycling or 'deposit and return' scheme.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a dispenser comprising: a squeezable container which has a nozzle, a one-way air inlet valve and a removable lid, the lid is removed to open the container which receives a sealed flexible bag containing a product to be dispensed, whereby in use, an outlet formed in the flexible bag allows product to flow through the nozzle when the container is squeezed; and the one-way air inlet valve allows air into the container as it recovers from a squeezed condition to a relaxed condition.

In preferred embodiments the container is cylindrical, and the lid has a thread which is adapted to connect the lid to a threaded end of the container.

Ideally the one-way air inlet valve is located in an opening in the base of the dispenser. In some embodiments the one-way air inlet valve is removable from the opening. This enables worn or damaged one-way inlet valves to be replaced.

Ideally the inlet valve is located in a recess formed in an wall of the container so as to space it from a surface or table top to prevent ingress of any contamination.

Optionally the container is formed from a transparent or translucent material. Preferably a closure cap is provided to seal the opening.

The container is formed from a synthetic plastics material. For example, the synthetics plastics material is from the group comprising synthetic polymers.

Preferably the synthetic plastics polymers material used for the container is a transparent or translucent polymer and is from the group comprising: PET, polyethylene The enclosure is ideally formed from a laminate of multiple different plastics layers. One laminate layer may be adapted to prevent a substance or gas from leaking in, or out of the container; and another laminate layer may perform a different function, such as providing a substrate surface which is printed.

In one embodiment of the invention an outer layer to be made from a single polymer rather than a laminate.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a sealed flexible bag dispenser which has an integrally formed one way outlet valve. The sealed flexible bag is adapted to receive and store a flowable material such as a sauce, paste or beverage which is dispensed through the one way outlet valve.

Preferably the flexible bag is formed from a plastics polymer material for example: a flexible polymer film or laminated sheet or films, such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), PET or polypropylene Ideally the outlet valve is formed integrally with the sealed flexible bag when the sealed bag is manufactured and prior to it being filled with product to be dispensed.

In some embodiments, the flexible bag may be sealed and the one way valve is fitted within a screw top lid. Alternatively the one way valve is fitted into a moulded rim and top component of the flexible bag which is then attached to a flexible lower bag portion.

Optionally the sealed flexible bag may be a multi-layer laminated construction. For example, one layer of flexible material may be food safe and a second or further laminated layer may be provided for mechanical strength.

The flexible bag may be overprinted with advertising, product information, ingredients and other items that usually appear on an exterior of packaging, such as images and logos and other marketing graphics.

The flexible bag may include a OR code, RFID tag or a transponder device. An advantage of this is that the OR code, RFID tag or a transponder device assists in location of products for purposes of stock control and facilitates refunds or credits in recycling or 'deposit and refund' schemes.

In some embodiments the sealed bag has a peripheral lip that is formed integrally with the flexible bag. Ideally the lip is adapted to be retained between the lid and the container when the lid closes the container. Optionally, in one embodiment, the lip has a resilient portion which is gripped between a lid and a rim of the container and when these are closed the lip seals the container ensuring it is airtight.

In a particularly preferred embodiment at least a portion of the sealed flexible bag has folds defining corrugations which facilitate folding of the flexible bag, in a concertina like manner, as the contents of the bag are dispensed. An interface or weakness may be formed adjacent at least one of the folds to define an inversion zone. Folding about the inversion zone of portions of the bag, at a predefined volume causes the flexible bag to fold in on itself as the bags empties. This inversion maximises the amount of stored product is dispensed from the flexible bag, during use, and thereby minimises wastage of product.

The sealed bag is ideally formed from a food safe material such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), PET or polypropylene The sealed bag may have an anti-static and/or a non-stick coating applied to its inner and/or outer surface in order to prevent it from adhering to an inner surface of the container, as well as improving removal of product therefor, thereby improving efficiency of dispensation of the product.

Preferably the dispenser includes a nozzle, which is ideally closable by way of a cap. The nozzle ideally includes a duck bill valve. However, other types of valve, such as an umbrella valve or a cross slit valve may be used.

Unique identification means may be printed or affixed to the container or formed integrally therewith, for example during its manufacture. One example of a unique identification means is a radio frequency (RF) identity (RFID) tag.

Preferably the thickness of the container is between 0.3 mm and 4.0 mm, preferably between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

Preferably the thickness of the sealed flexible bag is between 0.01mm and 0.6mm. Preferably the thickness of the sealed flexible bag is between.025 mm and 0.2 mm.

Optionally the bag and or the interior surface of the container has a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating thereon in order to improved sliding and evacuation of the contents of the flexible bag by helping it to collapse as its contents are dispensed.

A lockable means may be provided for locking the lid to the container. This may be useful for example for use in restaurants to prevent theft or adulteration of contents of a dispenser.

Because the contents of the flexible bag are dispensed, either by mechanical squeezing or by the effect of compressed air, directly from the flexible container, there is no contact with an ambient environment or consumer and therefore bio security is improved. All that is now required is for the exterior of a container to be sanitised after use at a table, for example using a disinfectant or alcohol wipe.

An advantage is that the dispenser can be operated at any angle to dispense material. Another advantage is that the dispenser prevents contaminated air entering the container because air vents into the container via a separate one way air inlet and so remains in the container and does not contact the contents of the flexible container. No air is vented into the flexible bag due to the one way or duck billed valve. Therefore the shelf life of product in the flexible bag is improved as it less prone to oxidise or contamination.

Another advantage of the invention is that there is a reduction in the amount of synthetic plastics material used to produce the flexible container.

A further benefit of housing the contents in a replaceable flexible bag is that it enables new shaped containers to be designed in order to receive the flexible bags and so creates new marketing opportunities for new shaped dispensers, for example cartoon characters or other items which may be popular at themed restaurants. There is also the opportunity to design refill bags for use with the containers.

As there is no direct contamination of product with the container, whether this is a foodstuff or a cosmetic cream or product, once the flexible container has been emptied and removed, the container may either be re-used or disposed into a waste stream for recycling without any products contaminating its inner surface.

With unique identity markings or devices, the invention may be included in a deposit return scheme, where for example the outer container may be returned clean for consumer return to store. In the UK and EU it is expected that plastics containers are required to be compliant for use with such deposit and return schemes by 2025.

In addition the fact that the flexible bag is completely filled with product and no space is left for air in the filling process, greater volumes of material can be contained which improves the efficiency of transport and distribution.

It is appreciated that the container may be supplied separate from the flexible bags which may be sold filled with products to be fitted into empty containers so that the container may be re-used to dispense the same or different flowable products.

The invention will now be described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the drawings in which:

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure la shows a diagrammatical section through one embodiment of a dispenser supporting a flexible bag; Figure lb shows an exploded view of a top part of the dispenser of Figure la; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatical section through one embodiment of a dispenser and shows the flexible bag partly filled; Figure 3a shows a diagrammatical section through of a different embodiment of a dispenser showing a thicker; Figure 3b shows an exploded view of a top part of the dispenser in Figure 3a; Figure 4a shows a diagrammatical section through of a different embodiment of a dispenser showing a thicker; Figure 4b shows an exploded view of a top part of the dispenser in Figure 3a; Figure 5 shows a diagrammatical section through an embodiment of a dispenser and depicts the flexible bag as air is drawn through the non-return valve; Figure 6 shows a diagrammatical isometric section through an embodiment of a dispenser and depicts the flexible bag with a duck bill valve shown attached; Figure 5 shows a diagrammatical section through an embodiment of a dispenser and depicts the flexible bag collapsing showing a thicker bag wall lining; and Figure 7 Isometric section view of the integrated valve flexible bag. Details Description of Preferred Embodiment of the Invention Referring to Figure la there is shown a container 103 which is squeezable and has a nozzle 101 which includes a duck bill one-way outlet valve 108. The container receives a removable flexible bag 104 containing a product to be dispensed, such as ketchup (not shown). The nozzle 101 is optionally replaceable. The container 103 has a one-way or non-return air inlet valve 105. A flange, lip or other sealing means 106 (shown in Figure 1b) is provided around a periphery or opening of the flexible bag 104.

An outlet formed in the flexible bag allows product to flow through the nozzle. In use a seal (not shown) is removed from the flexible bag 104 to reveal the outlet. The flexible bag 104 is placed in the container 103. The container 103 is squeezed and product is urged from the flexible bag 104 via the nozzle 101. As pressure is released air is drawn into the container via inlet valve 105 as the container 103 recovers. When the container 103 recovers from the squeezed condition to a relaxed condition air drawn into a void 109 between the flexible bag 104 and interior walls of the container 103.

The container 103 is closed by way of a threaded lid 102. The lid 102 is ideally formed from injection mouldable synthetic plastics material. In another embodiment the threaded lid 102 may be a snap-fit closure around a detent or raised part of a neck portion of the container 103.

The container 103 is formed from a recyclable primary product, such as PET and has a wall thickness between 0.3.0 mm to 2.0 mm. The flexible bag 104 has a wall thickness between 0.025 mm and 0.2 mm, and up to 1.0 mm where for example the container 103 and flexible bag 104 is used in large volume catering.

The flexible bag 104 may be formed from welding or joining a flexible material, such as ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), PET or polypropylene.

A thicker flange lip, or sealing means 106 is dimensioned and arranged to be gripped between a reduced thickness layer or rim 306 of the container 103 so that the flange lip or sealing means 106 is gripped therebetween. This feature is ideally injection moulded as a separate component and then joined to the collapsible bag. This component may or may not have the one way valve formed therewith.

Figure 2 shows how when air is drawn into the flexible container, through a non-return inlet valve 105, into the volume depicted as 201, the flexible container 103 returns to its moulded shape, defined by corrugations 204 to replace the volume of product (not shown) which is expelled and dispensed via the non-return valve 101 through one way outlet valve 108.

The flexible bag 203 is shown in Figure 2 in its semi collapsed state as approximately 40% of the product has been dispensed.

Figures 3a and 3b show an example of a container 301 which has a thicker flange or sealing means 106 that is created to fit into the rebated feature, moulded into the container 303 to provide a seal that prevents air leakage. This ensures pressure is produced as the container 303 is squeezed and ensures air does not escape, thus delivering pressure that is applied by a user to the product contained within the flexible bag 304 and expelling it via nozzle101.

Screw top or snap-fit container closure 302 seals the flexible bag 304 onto a top opening of the container 303. Once the product has been dispensed, the flexible bag 304 is removed and can be discarded. A replacement flexible bag 304 may then be fitted thus allowing the container 303 to be reused many times. The combination of flexible bag and reusable container reduces the amount of contaminated waste sent to landfill to a fraction of what was previously the case.

The one-way valve 108 at the top of the flexible bag 304 prevents contaminated air coming into contact with stored product in the flexible bag volume once the product is in use. This enables products that oxidize to have a better "in-use" life and helps to prevent their visual degradation.

Referring to Figure 5, the flexible bag 304 has a wall thickness between 0.025 mm and 0.2 mm. A reduced thickness layer or feature 306 may be formed as part of a diaphragm top to of the flexible bag to allow the customer to easily puncture the diaphragm to allow the product to be delivered.

Figure 4a shows a valve 404 integrated collapsible flexible bag whose thickness is between 0.025 mm to 0.2 mm. Figure 4b shows a threaded lid 302 and container top edge. In this embodiment the flexible bag 304 the one-way outlet valve 108 is integrated into the flexible bag 304 rather than being installed into the lid 302. This allows the lid 302 and the container 303 to be reused.

Figure 5 shows a diagrammatical section through an embodiment of a dispenser and depicts the flexible bag as air is drawn through the non-return valve. A volume of air is drawn through non-return valve 105 as the container 303 returns to its moulded shape after having been squeezed in order to dispense product. The air drawn into the container therefore replaces the volume of product expelled.

Figure 6 shows isometric section view of the reusable container assembly with the integrated valve flexible bag installed.

Figure 7 shows isometric section view of the integrated valve flexible bag.

The invention has been described by way of example the environments and it will be appreciated that variation to the aforementioned embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the protection as defined by the claims. For example, the container and flexile bag may be modified for containing dispensing other non-edible flowable products such as shampoos, conditioners, oils and other cosmetic products.

List of Parts 101 nozzle 102 threaded lid 103 container 104 flexible bag one-way or non-return air inlet valve 106 sealing lip, flange or sealing means 108 duck bill or one way outlet valve 109 void 201 volume 203 flexible bag 204 corrugations 301 container 302 screw top or snap fit lid 303 container 304 flexible bag 306 reduced thickness layer or rim

Claims

Claims 1. A dispenser comprises: a squeezable container which has a nozzle, a one-way air inlet valve and a removable lid, the lid is removed to open the container which receives a sealed flexible bag containing a product to be dispensed, whereby in use, an outlet formed in the flexible bag allows product to flow through the nozzle when the container is squeezed; and the one-way air inlet valve allows air into the container as it recovers from a squeezed condition to a relaxed condition.
2. A dispenser according to claim 1 wherein the container is cylindrical
3. A dispenser according to claim 2 wherein the lid has a thread which is adapted to connect the lid to a threaded end of the container.
4. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the one-way air inlet valve is located in an opening in the base of the dispenser.
5. A dispenser according to claim 4 wherein the one-way air inlet valve is removable from the opening.
6. A dispenser according to claim 5 wherein a closure cap is provided to seal the opening.
7. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the container is formed from a synthetic plastics material.
8. A dispenser according to claim 7 wherein the synthetic plastics material is a transparent or translucent polymer.
9. A dispenser according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the synthetic plastics material is from the group comprising PET, polyethylene, high density synthetic plastics material, ow density synthetic plastics material and linear low density synthetic plastics material.
10. A dispenser according to any of claim 7 to 9 wherein the sealed flexible bag has a one way outlet valve.
11. A dispenser according to claim 10 wherein the outlet valve is formed integrally with the sealed flexible bag by way of a welded seam.
12. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the sealed flexible bag contains a liquid or gelatinous material.
13. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein a peripheral lip is formed integrally with the flexible bag, the lip is adapted to be sandwiched and retained between the lid and the container when the lid closes the container.
14. A dispenser according to claim 13 wherein the lip has a resilient portion which seals the container when the lid closes the container.
15. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein at least a portion of the sealed flexible bag has folds defining corrugations which facilitate folding of the flexible bag as the bag empties.
16. A dispenser according to claim 15 wherein an interface is formed adjacent at least one of the folds to define an inversion zone about which folding of one portion of the flexible bag causes the flexible bag to fold in on itself as the bags empties.
17. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the nozzle includes a duck bill valve.
18. A dispenser according to any preceding claim includes a unique identification means, such as a QR-code.
19. A dispenser according to claim 18 wherein the unique identification means includes a radio frequency identity (RF ID) tag.
20. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the thickness of the container is between 1.0 mm and 6.0 mm.
21. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein the thickness of the sealed flexible bag is between 0.025 mm and 1.0 mm, preferably between 0.025 mm and 0.2 mm.
22. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein slidable RIFE lining to help the bag collapse.
23. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein an anti-tamper device is fitted to cover the nozzle.
24. A dispenser according to any preceding claim wherein a lock means locks the lid to the container.