KR20010072204A - Container valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The container for dispensing the liquid of the invention comprises a body member 2 and a closure 6 for the body member 2, the closure 6 being a cap in the form of a plastic molding with an outlet 12. (8) and a control valve 22 in the cap 8, the control valve 22 is a unitary plastic molding having a diaphragm portion 26 and a nose portion 28, and the nose portion 28 is Normally the outlet 12 is sealed, but displaced by the deformation of the diaphragm portion 28 resulting from the pressurization of the interior of the body member 2, whereby the liquid is dispensed through the outlet 12 and the cap ( 8) is substantially cylindrical with an open end, hollow and additionally provided with an annular seating 20 for the control valve 22 whose diameter D is substantially the same as the diaphragm portion 26 of the control valve 22. do.

Description

Container valve

Often, a controlled amount of liquid can be dispensed from elongated containers, tubes, etc., through the outlet in the container cap angled relative to the flow direction of the fluid from the container to the cap, rather than through the outlet at the top of the container, For example, in a direct scrubbing motion to the arm or leg, it is desirable to be able to rub the skin continuously for therapeutic purposes.

This scrubbing operation is most appropriately achieved by providing an ergonomic profile for the container using a relatively long neck and narrow cap container.

However, the number of such containers available with such angled side outlets is limited, and there are a number of problems with those currently available, all of which have a relatively complex structure and high manufacturing costs. will be.

For example, US Pat. No. 5,197,638 discloses a container with a nozzle having a discharge port for dispensing the contents of the container coupled to the nozzle at a right angle to the direction of supplying the contents of the container and under the control of a flexible diaphragm. Is disclosed. However, the nozzle contains a series of twisted channels / pathways for the flow of fluid to the outlet, while the diaphragm is integrated or connected to a piston of complex construction which is forced into a normal resting position by the spring to seal the outlet. It is. Obviously, such a structure is expensive to manufacture, requires careful manual assembly, and on the one hand it has also been found to have hygiene problems.

Also referring to US Pat. Nos. 4,798,311, CH 225084 and US 2,170,588, all of them disclose containers with outlets on their sides, all of which are also relatively complex in structure, difficult to manufacture, and assembled. It was difficult to do that.

The present invention relates to a container, and more particularly to a container for dispensing pastes, gels, creams and other products referred to below as liquids.

1 and 2 are vertical cross-sectional views through a portion of a first container according to the invention, showing a closure comprising a plate portion representing a normal position and a displacement position, respectively;

3 and 4 are vertical cross-sectional views through a portion of a second container according to the present invention, respectively, before and subsequent assembly states are shown assembled to the coupled closure;

In particular, it is possible to control the distribution of the liquid, not just from the internal side outlet, to be simpler, more hygienic, more economical to manufacture and advantageously to mass production more efficiently than before. It is desirable to provide a container that is suitable for automated assembly.

According to the present invention, a liquid flows through the neck of the body member and the neck of the body member and a cap positioned on the neck of the body member by pressurization inside the body member and the body member for containing the liquid. A closure for the body member having an internal outlet for dispensing through and dispensing the control valve, the control valve being positioned within the cap for controlling the distribution of liquid flowing from the cap from the body member to the outlet, the control valve being a dia. A one-piece plastic molding having a fram portion and a nose portion extending from one side of the diaphragm portion, the container having a rest position engaged from the cap to the outlet for sealing the nose portion, wherein the cap is provided with an annular seating for the control valve. Wherein the seating is approximately cylindrical, with an open hollow end. The central axis of the extends through the outlet in the cap, the diameter of the seating being substantially the same as the diaphragm portion of the control valve, and the diaphragm portion of the seating seals one end of the seating while the control valve is mounted on the seating. Thus, the other side of the diaphragm portion away from the nose portion is exposed to atmospheric pressure, and this structure deforms the diaphragm portion by flowing liquid from the body member into the cap through the neck of the body member by pressurization inside the body member, The nose portion of the valve is thereby displaced from the outlet and the liquid is dispensed through the outlet, and by the subsequent release of pressure from the interior of the body member, the control valve, under the influence of its own elastic force and atmospheric pressure, The nose section seats at the outlet and returns to its original rest position to seal. It is provided with a container, characterized in that.

Obviously, when using such a structure, the closure for the body member is formed in a very simple structure and includes a minimum of individual parts that can be easily manufactured and automatically assembled by plastic molding technology. .

In particular, the provision of the seating having a diameter substantially the same as the diaphragm portion of the control valve is such that the diaphragm portion is in no case obstructed by the deformation of the diaphragm portion in order to allow the cap to distribute the liquid from the container. It is also ensured to enable overmolding of the control valve and to ensure that one of the metal dies or inserts associated with the molding process can immediately pass through the hollow bore of the seating from the outside of the enclosure.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outlet is formed in a plate portion that is relatively movable relative to the rest of the cap between the normal position of terminating the cap and the displacement position providing access to the cap and to the control valve.

The plate part is molded integrally with the rest of the cap, and by means of the hinge the cap is movable relative to the rest of the cap, or is independent of the rest of the cap, completely assembling the container and also the flow of product therein. It may be snap fit into an opening coupled in the remainder of the cap to create a chamber.

Providing an end-opened seating in combination with the movable plate part allows for immediate overmolding of the control valve on the seating, one opposite metal die or insert for forming the valve is inserted through the seating and the open plate part It becomes clear that the other can be inserted.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the annular seating is independent of the cap and the control valve is forcibly fitted into a corresponding opening in the seated cap on the surface to seal the seating.

With such a structure, the control valve can be sealingly mounted on the seating before it is placed in the seating in the cap, and in particular the control valve can be overmolded on the seating prior to said position.

The control valve includes a cylindrical skirt portion whose one end is closed by the other side of the diaphragm portion away from the nose portion, the skirt portion surrounding the seating.

The closure includes a plug member that fits within the cap to engage the other side of the diaphragm portion of the control valve away from the nose portion and to hold the nose portion in a rest position coupled to the outlet for sealing. The same structure contributes to preventing inadvertent distribution from the container.

Advantageously, the plug member is integrally molded in the cap and pivots relative to the hinge of reduced thickness between the actuation position engaging the diaphragm portion of the valve and the release position displaced from the control valve.

The closure may be integrally molded to the body member to form a continuous structure on the neck of the body member.

1 and 2, a portion of a container including a body portion or reservoir 2 molded from a flexible plastic material and having a necked 4 threaded outward of a reduced diameter is shown. It is.

The closure of the body member 2 is indicated by reference numeral 6 and comprises a hollow cap 8 which is molded from a plastic material having a moderate stiffness, such as polythene or polyethylene. The cap 8 has a skirt 10 threaded therein in its lower region for cooperating with a screw on the neck 4 to position the closure 6 on the body member. Positioning is achieved by snap fit between the accessories or by a closure 6 integrally molded to the body member 2.

The upper region of the cap 8 is reduced in diameter and includes an outlet 12 on its side wall. More specifically, the outlet 12 is formed in the plate portion 14 which forms part of the side wall of the cap 8, but is mounted to the rest of the cap 8 by a hinge 16 having a reduced diameter, Accordingly, the plate portion 14 is displaced from the normal operating position shown in FIG. 1, which is sealingly snapped into the corresponding opening 18 formed in the cap 8, and from the opening 18, It may be pivoted between the open positions shown in FIG. 2 providing access to the interior of the cap 8. Alternatively, plate portion 14 may be independent of the rest of the cap 8 and may not be connected to the rest of the cap by hinges or other means.

Integrated integrally in the cap 8 against the outlet 12 is a hollow, end-opened cylindrical seat 20 of diameter 'D' extending radially into the upper region of the cap 8, The central axis of the seating 20 is perpendicular to the central axis of the neck 4 of the body member 2, the central axis of the seating 20 passes through the outlet 12 and penetrates the seating 20. The hollow bore interconnects the interior of the cap 8 and the atmosphere. However, it is also emphasized that the central axis of the seating 20 may not be perpendicular to the central axis of the neck 4.

The closure 6 is provided with a control valve, indicated by reference numeral 22 and comprising an annular skirt portion 24, one end of the annular skirt portion having a circular diaphragm portion (on the surface away from the skirt portion 24). An annular skirt portion closed by 26 is formed on the central nose portion 28. The valve 22 is integrally molded from a soft thermoplastic material, or elastomer or silicone rubber, while sealingly positioning the skirt portion 24 on the seating 20, so that the diaphragm portion 26 is formed of a cap ( 8) the barrier is defined between the interior and the atmosphere. The skirt portion 24 may be interference fit onto the seating 20 or may be molded to the seating to form integrally with the cap 8 as described in more detail below.

In the rest position of the valve 22, the nose portion 28 is forced into the outlet 18 while atmospheric pressure is applied on the surface of the diaphragm portion 26 away from the nose portion 28 to seal it. do.

In order to dispense the contents of the container, the body 2 is pressed to squeeze the inside of the container. This increase in pressure forces the contents of the container through the neck 4 into the closure 6 and forces the surface of the diaphragm portion 26 holding the nose portion 28.

The diaphragm portion 26 is thus displaced to the left as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the nose portion 28 is displaced from the outlet 12 and the contents of the container are dispensed through the outlet 12. .

Advantageously, this dispensing is achieved by the downward movement of the container with the outlet 12 relative to the user's skin, whereby the liquid, eg a moisturizing cream or suntan cream, is suitable for subsequent rubbing. Sprayed on.

By releasing the squeeze pressure from the body member 2 and by its own elasticity and by the application of atmospheric pressure on the surface of the diaphragm portion 26 away from the nose portion 28, the control valve is operated normally. Returning to the seating of the rest position, closing the outlet 12, thereby terminating the distribution of the contents from the container.

As is apparent from the figure, the diaphragm portion 26 of the control valve 22 is substantially the same as the seating 20, so that it is deformed from the normal rest position of the diaphragm portion 26 in order to be able to dispense the liquid. Movement to the position is not hindered by the structure of the cap 8 in any way.

In addition, providing the hollow seating 20 of diameter 'D' in cooperation with the movable plate portion 14 allows for immediate overmolding of the control valve 22 on the seating 20. More specifically, the counter metal die or insert required for the molding process is inserted through the seating 20 and the other through the opening opening 18 so that molding can be performed. Advantageously, the inner wall of the cap 8 is provided with positioning means 30 on its surface to position other metal inserts during the molding process.

It can be seen that the above mentioned containers are relatively simple and therefore inexpensive, and are particularly suitable for automated assembly and mass production.

By providing, within the side of the closure 6, an outlet 12 independent from the end of the closure, the container of the invention is particularly suitable for applying the contents of the container to the skin in the above-described scrubbing operation, which application is All dispensed liquid is then rubbed into the skin with a scrubbing action to ensure that all liquid is removed from the outside of the outlet, ensuring cleanliness and improved hygiene when compared to equivalent containers. However, the outlet 12 may be at the end of the closure 6.

3 and 4 illustrate a further embodiment of the invention, in which the seating 20 is independent of the cap 8 and is pressed into a corresponding opening in the sidewall of the cap 8 opposite the outlet 12. It is embodied in a single insert 32 with a control valve 22 mounted to the surface to be snap fit. The pivoting plate portion 14 discharges together with the outlet opening 12 formed directly in the cap 8.

The provision of an independent insert 32 allows the control valve 22 to be mounted on the insert prior to final assembly of the closure 6. The control valve does not need to be seal tightly fitted on the seating or overmolded on the seating to provide access to the valve 22 from the outlet side of the cap 8 and thus to distribute to the plate portion 14. There is no need to be able to. The insert 32 is integrally molded with the cap 8 and attached to the cap by a hinge of reduced thickness so that it can be pivoted into a position to be press snap fit into the cap 8.

Inadvertent distribution from a container, for example, inadvertent distribution during travel can be prevented in one of several different ways. For example, the closure 6 includes a plug that is tightly fitted into the volume defined by the seating 20 and the surface of the diaphragm portion 26 away from the nose portion 28, wherein The plug engages with the surface of the diaphragm portion 26 to prevent deflection of the diaphragm portion 25 until the plug 32 is removed from the volume. Advantageously, the plug 32 is integrally molded with the cap 8 and connected to the cap by a hinge of reduced thickness such that movement in and out of the operating position in engagement with the valve 22 is prevented. It becomes possible.

Obviously, the detailed structure of the container may be different from that described above without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the container may have a plurality of outlets 12 and corresponding control valves 22, each outlet having a plurality of bristle coupled to the outside of the cap. It is possible to apply the method of brushing the contents of the container, on the other hand, the structure of the control valve may be changed in particular with regard to the shape of the nose portion 28. In all embodiments of the present invention, advantageously, in the normal rest position, the nose portion of the valve extends directly through the outlet so that no liquid remains in the outlet after using the container. The end of the nose portion of the valve also extends directly through the valve even in the open position, so that, for example, nail polish liquid may be applied by the end of the nose portion.

Thus, a relatively simple container has been described that is economically viable and can be automatically assembled to provide consumers with a variety of advantages over currently available products.

In particular, the container of the present invention is flexible by the consumer and can be dispensed irrespective of the viscosity of the liquid and the quantity measured in small or large quantities.

The outlet and valve size can be easily changed to suit different product and consumer dispensing requirements, and can accommodate a wide range of products from very viscous pastes to water, while pressing the squeezed container to its normal rest position Ensure a quick return.

The invention is particularly applicable to tubes for dispensing pastes and the like, which are not exclusive but relatively viscous.

Claims (16)

A neck 4 through which liquid flows through one end by pressurization inside the body member 2 and body member 2 for containing a liquid, A body having a cap 8 located on the neck 4 of the body member 2 and an internal outlet 12 for dispensing through and dispensing liquid flowing through the neck 4 of the body member 2. The closure 6 for the member 2, A control valve 22 located in the cap 8 for controlling the distribution of liquid flowing from the cap 8 from the body member 2 to the outlet 12, The control valve 22 is an integral plastic molding having a diaphragm portion 26 and a nose portion 28 extending from one side of the diaphragm portion 26, in order to seal the nose portion 28. A container having a resting position engaged from (8) to an outlet (12), The cap 8 has an annular seating 20 for the control valve 22, the seating 20 having a substantially cylindrical shape with an open hollow end, the central axis of the seating being the outlet in the cap 8 ( 12, the diameter D of the seating is substantially the same as the diaphragm portion 26 of the control valve 22, the diaphragm of the seating as the control valve 22 is mounted on the seating 20. The part 26 seals one end of the seating 20 so that the other side of the diaphragm part 26 away from the nose part 28 is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the structure being inside the body member 2. The liquid from the body member 8 flows into the cap 8 through the neck 4 of the body member 8 by pressurization of the body 8 to deform the diaphragm portion 26, thereby degrading the valve 22. The nose portion 28 is displaced from the outlet 12 and the liquid is dispensed through the outlet and subsequent pressure from the interior of the body member 2. By releasing the control valve 22, under the influence of its own elastic force and atmospheric pressure, the nose portion 28 of the control valve is seated at the outlet 12 and returned to its original rest position to seal. Characterized by a container. 2. The outlet (12) according to claim 1, wherein the outlet (12) is provided between a normally closed position for terminating the cap (8) and a displacement open position for providing access to the control valve (22) and to the interior of the cap (8). Container formed in the plate portion (14) which is movable relative to the remainder of 8). 3. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the plate portion (14) is integrally molded with the rest of the cap (8) and is movable relative to the rest of the cap (8) by the hinge (16). . 3. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the plate portion (14) is independent of the rest of the cap (8) and snaps into an opening (18) which is engaged in the rest of the cap (8). 2. The annular seating (20) according to claim 1, wherein the annular seating (20) is independent of the cap (8), and the control valve (22) is forcibly inserted into a corresponding opening in the seat (8) seated on the surface for sealing the seating (20). A container characterized by being customized. 6. Container according to claim 5, characterized in that the annular seating (20) is interconnected with the cap (8) by a hinge. 7. Container according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the control valve (20) is sealingly mounted on the seating (20) before it is positioned on the seating (20) in the cap (8). 8. Container according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control valve (20) is overmolded on the seating (20). 9. The cylindrical valve portion 24 according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control valve 22 is closed by the other side of the diaphragm portion 26, one end of which is remote from the nose portion 28. And a skirt portion 24 surrounds the seating 20. 10. The closure (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure (6) engages and seals with the other side of the diaphragm portion (26) of the control valve (22) remote from the nose portion (28). And a plug member forcibly fitted in the cap (8) to hold the nose portion (28) in a rest position engaged with the outlet (12). 11. The plug member according to claim 10, wherein the plug member is integrally molded with the cap (8) and between an operating position that engages the diaphragm portion (26) of the valve (22) and a release position that is displaced from the control valve (22). Container pivoted relative to a reduced thickness hinge. 12. The closure (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure (6) is integrally molded with the body member (2) to form a continuous portion of the neck (4) of the body member (2). Container. In the container manufacturing method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, Moving the plate portion 14 to the displaced open position, Inserting the control valve 20 through the opening plate portion 14 and onto the seating 20 for sealing, Returning the plate portion (14) to its normal closed position. In the container manufacturing method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, Moving the plate portion 14 to the displaced open position, Overmolding the control valve 22 on the seating 20 by inserting an opposing metal insert through the seating 20 and inserting another metal insert through the opening plate 14 to form a mold; Removing the metal insert, Returning the plate portion (14) to its normal closed position. In the container manufacturing method according to claim 5 or 6, Mounting the control valve 22 on the independent seating 20 to seal it, And pushing the seating (20) and control valve (20) into corresponding openings in the cap (18). Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the control valve (22) is overmolded on the seating (20).