MXPA00002917A - Dispensing mechanism with flow regulator - Google Patents

Abstract

A flow regulator for controlling the flow of material from a container is disclosed, wherein the container includes a container outlet through which the material freely flows when the container outlet is not closed. The flow regulator includes a material passageway having an inlet. The inlet of the material passageway is moved relative to the container between a first position where the inlet of the material passageway is not aligned with the container outlet to prevent the free flow of material between the container and the material passageway and a second position where the inlet of the material passageway is aligned withthe container outlet to permit the flow of material between the container and the material passageway. The regulator also includes a regulating flap, configured to substantially cover the container outlet, coupled between the container outlet and the inlet of the material passageway. The regulating flap is moved between a closed position where the flow of material from the container outlet is prevented when the container outlet and the inlet of the material passageway are out of alignment and an open position where the flow of material from the container outlet is permitted when the container outlet and the inlet of the material passageway are substantially aligned. In use, movement of the material passageway relative to the regulating flap controls actuation of the regulating flap between an open and a closed position.

Description

MOPING MECHANISM WITH FLOW REGULATOR FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a flow regulator for controlling the flow of material from a container. The invention also relates to a dispensing mechanism that employs a flow regulator to control the flow of material from a container. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Self-service dispensers have become common in grocery stores throughout the country. These suppliers allow consumers to purchase any quantity of product by simply taking the product from the supplier in any desired quantity. In this way, consumers are not limited by pre-packaged products, manufacturers do not have to pre-package their products for consumers to acquire, and stores can store more product in limited spaces. These dispensers are generally employed to distribute loose bulk products that the consumer places in a bag or collection device provided adjacent to the dispenser. The suppliers have found wide acceptance for the distribution of coffee, grains, sweets, rice, beans, nuts, screws, nails and other products easily distributed in loose form. Among the most common dispensers used today in stores is the vertical spout that is based on the force of gravity to supply a product through a nozzle selectively opened or closed by a consumer. In use, the consumer generally places a bag under a nozzle outlet and opens the nozzle to release the items stored within the dispenser container. Once the nozzle is opened, the product flows freely out of the container, through the nozzle and into the bag placed under the nozzle. A problem with the nozzles used in dispensers of this type is that they generally depend on a single barrier to control the flow of product from the container. When these barriers move even slightly, the outlet of the spout container opens and the product begins to flow freely from the container. Even slight movements of the barrier are often sufficient to cause the free flow of the product, and consequently the product may end up on the warehouse floor since the consumer may not be prepared for the immediate flow of the product. Even when consumers intentionally move the barrier, they often do not expect such a slight movement of the barrier to cause the product to flow freely. When this occurs, the consumer frequently overfills his bag and accidentally spills a part of the product that flows from the dispenser.

Thus there is a need for a dispenser capable of distributing loose items, while also providing a substantial amount of control to the consumer who obtains the product from the dispenser. The present invention offers a flow regulator and a supply system that provides such control to consumers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flow regulator for controlling the flow of material from a container, wherein the container includes a container outlet through which the material flows freely when the container outlet It is not closed. The flow regulator includes a passage of material that has an inlet. The entrance of the passage of material moves relative to the container between a first position where the entrance of the passage of material is not aligned with the outlet of the container to prevent free flow of material between the container and the passage of material and a second position in which the entrance of the passage of material is aligned with the outlet of the container to allow the flow of material between the container and the passage of material. The regulator also includes a regulating cap, configured to substantially cover the container outlet, coupled between the container outlet and the entrance of the material passage. The regulating cap moves between a closed position where the flow of material from the container is avoided when the container outlet and the material passage inlet are out of alignment and an open position where the material flow from the outlet of the container is allowed when the outlet of the container and the entrance of the material passageway are substantially aligned. In use, the movement of the passage of material relative to the regulating cap controls the actuation of the regulating cap between an open position and a closed position. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a flow regulator where the material passageway includes a pressure member which restricts the regulating cap in its closed position when the container outlet is out of alignment with the material passageway inlet and releasing the regulating cap when the entry of the material passageway is substantially aligned with the container outlet. It is another object of the present invention to provide an assortment mechanism for controlled delivery of material stored within a container. The mechanism includes a nozzle adapted to be fixed on a container adjacent to a container outlet. The nozzle includes a nozzle inlet in which material from the container can flow and a nozzle outlet through which material entering the nozzle can exit. The mechanism also includes a nozzle holder for mounting the nozzle adjacent to the outlet of the container, wherein the nozzle holder supports the nozzle such that the nozzle can move along the outer surface contour of the container between a first position in the container. which nozzle inlet is not aligned with the container outlet and a second position in which the nozzle inlet is aligned with the outlet of the container. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which present certain embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the flow regulator of the present invention in a fully closed position; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the flow regulator of the present invention with the container outlet and the passage inlet of partially aligned material; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the flow regulator of the present invention in an open position; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the regulating cap; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assortment mechanism employing the flow regulator of the present invention; Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the assortment mechanism; Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the nozzle in its first position; and Figures 8-10 are partial cross-sectional views showing the dispensing mechanism as it moves between a closed position and an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a flow regulator 10 is provided to supply in a controlled manner a material stored inside the container 12. The flow regulator 10 is designed to control the flow of material from a container outlet 14, preventing material flow until the container outlet 14 and the inlet 16 of a passage of material 18 are substantially aligned. In this way, the flow regulator 10 prevents the accidental flow of material from the container 12 only allowing the material to exit the container 12 when the outlet of the container 14 and the inlet 16 of the passage of material 18 are substantially aligned. The flow regulator 10 is adjacent to the container outlet 14, and includes a passage of material 18 through which the material exiting the container outlet 14 flows and a regulating cap 20 connected between the container outlet 14 and the inlet 16 of the material passageway 18. The material passageway 18 is mounted adjacent to the container outlet 14 such that the inlet 16 of the material passageway 18 can move in alignment and out of alignment with the container outlet 14. As noted by persons with certain skill in the art, material passage 18 can be mounted in numerous ways for movement relative to the outlet of container 14, and the specific dispensing mechanism is presented below using the flow regulator. unique in accordance with what is presented below. While the embodiment described herein is based on the movement of the passage of material to facilitate the alignment of the container and the passage of material, the flow regulator of the present invention can be employed in other systems wherein the container moves relative to the passage of material. material without departing from the spirit of the present invention. As indicated above, the regulating cap 20 is connected between the container outlet 14 and the inlet 16 of the passage of material 18. In accordance with the disclosed embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 4, the regulating cap 20 includes a closure cap 22 having a shape and dimension of configuration suitable for substantially covering the outlet of container 14, a support arm 24 adapted to be fixed on the container 12 adjacent to the outlet of container 14 in such a way that the cover of closure 22 is positioned to selectively cover the outlet of container 14, and a hinge 26 coupled between closure cap 22 and support arm 24 such that closure cap 22 can pivot relative to support arm 24. closure cap 22 has a shape suitable for covering the outlet of container 14 in such a way that no product can travel past the closure cap 22 when it is in its orientation ce rrada Thus, the closure lid 22 can be formed in such a way that there are spaces between said lid and the container outlet to the extent that the spaces are not greater than the product stored inside the container 14. The support arm 24 is fixed with friction on the container 12 adjacent to the container outlet 14 such that the closure lid 22 substantially covers the outlet of container 14 as it pivots on the articulation 26 of the regulating cap 20 even when other fixing structures could be employed without going out of the spirit of the present invention. The regulating cap 20 prevents the flow of material between the container 12 and the passage of material 18 until the container outlet 14 and the inlet 16 of the passage of material 18 are substantially aligned. A) Yes, the regulating cap 20 has a size and a dimension or a configuration such as to substantially cover the outlet of the container 14 when the container outlet 14 and the inlet 16 of the passage of material 18 are out of alignment. To prevent the flow of material from the container outlet 14, the regulating cap 20 moves between a closed position that blocks the flow of material coming from the outlet of the container 14 (see figures 1 and 2) and an open position that it allows the flow of material from the outlet of the container 14 (see figure 4). The movement of the regulating cap 20 between its closed position and its open position is controlled by a pressing member 28 on the upper surface 30 of the passage of material 18, adjacent to the inlet 16 of the material passage 18. Specifically, and with Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the pressure member 28 of the material passage 18 comes into contact with the closure cap 20 when the inlet 16 of the material passage 18 is out of alignment with the outlet of the container 14. As displaces the passage of material 18, and as the inlet 16 approaches alignment with the outlet of container 14, the pressure member 28 remains in contact with the closure cap 22 and prevents the regulating cap 20 from moving towards its open position Once the material passage 18 is displaced to a position where the inlet 16 of the material passage 18 and the outlet of the container 14 are substantially aligned, the pressure member 28 is no longer in contact with the closure cap 22. and the regulating cap 20 can be moved to its open position. At this point, the material stored inside the container 12 can move freely between the container 12 and the passage of material 18. The position in which the pressing member 28 releases the regulating cap 20 can vary according to the size of the product to be supplied . Thus, the outlet of the container 14 and the inlet 16 of the material passageway should only be substantially aligned before the pressure member 28 can release the regulating cap 20. When one wishes to stop the flow of material coming from the container outlet 14 , the passage of material 18 must only be moved to a position where the outlet of the container 14 and the inlet 16 of the passage of material 18 are slightly out of alignment. As the outlet of the container 14 and the inlet 16 of the material passage 18 come out of alignment, the pressure member 28 comes into contact with the closure cap 22 and pushes the adjustment cap 20 towards its closed position. The closing lid 22 then stops the flow of material coming from the outlet of the container 14. As mentioned above, the movement of the regulating lid 20, specifically, the closing lid 22 of the regulating lid 20, between its closed position and its open position is controlled through the pressure means 28. The upward force of the pressure member 28 holds the closure cap 22 adjacent to the container outlet 14 in such a mr as to substantially cover the outlet 14. When the pressure member 28 is no longer applying the force to keep the closure cap 22 in its closed position, the gravity force and the material of the container outlet 14 cause the closure cap 22 to move towards its open position. The opening and closing of the closure cap 22 can be modified by providing a spring-loaded articulation which ensures that the closure cap 22 moves to an open position when the pressure member 28 is displaced out of contact with the closure cap 22 The pressure member 28 can be configured in such a way that a predetermined movement distance is required to move it out of contact with the closure cap 22. Alternatively, the movement of the closure cap 22 can be controlled by a hydraulic actuator., gear action, pneumatic activation, or other control system, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. With reference to Figures 5 to 10, the flow regulator 110 described above is presented in a novel assortment mechanism 112. The mechanism 112 includes a container 114, or a bulk product canister, having a container outlet 116. through which the material passes to a nozzle assembly 118 to supply said material to a consumer. The nozzle assembly 118 includes a sliding nozzle 120 and a nozzle retainer 122. Specifically, the nozzle 120 is equipped with a nozzle 124 through which the material passes as it is supplied to the consumer. The spout 124 is surrounded by a nozzle plate 126 that interacts with a nozzle retention rail 128 of the nozzle retainer 122 to support the nozzle 120 in the container 114. The nozzle 120 is connected to the container 114 by the nozzle retainer. 122. The nozzle 120 and the nozzle retainer 122 are fixed on the container 114 by inserting a sliding dart 130 along the upper edge of the nozzle retainer 122 into a dart receptacle 132 formed along the wall of the nozzle retainer 122. container 114, and by the engagement of alignment lugs 134 in the nozzle retainer 122 with tongs 136 in the wall of the container 114. When the nozzle 120 and the nozzle retainer 122 are mounted on the container 114 adjacent to the outlet of the container. 116, the nozzle 120 can slide freely, preferably in the form of an arc, along the nozzle retainer rail 128 formed on the inner surface 13. 8 of the nozzle retainer 122. In this way, the nozzle 120 and the nozzle assembly 118 can be moved along the outer surface contour of the container between a first position in which the nozzle inlet 140 and the container outlet 116 they are out of alignment (see figure 7) and a second position in which the nozzle inlet 140 and the outlet of container 116 are aligned (see figure 10). The movement of the nozzle 120 along the curved surface of the container 114 is increased by ensuring that the center of the radius on the curved surface of the container 114 is preferably identical to the center of the radius of the nozzle plate 126, nozzle retainer 122 and nozzle retainer rail 128. In this way, a smooth, arc-shaped movement of the nozzle 120 between its first position and its second position is ensured. Since it is desirable to ensure that the nozzle assembly 118 is in the open position only when a consumer wishes to remove material from the container 114, the nozzle retainer 122 is equipped with compression springs 142. The compression springs 142 act on the pressure plate. nozzle 126 for pushing the nozzle 120 towards its closed position when a consumer is not applying any force to counteract the pressure provided by the compression springs 142.

The controlled flow of material between the vessel outlet 116 and the nozzle inlet 140 is maintained through a regulating cap 144 positioned between the vessel outlet 116 and the nozzle 120. Specifically, the regulating lid 144 is substantially identical to the regulating cap 20 described above. Thus, the regulating cap 144 includes a closure cap 146 configured to substantially cover the vessel outlet 116, a support arm 148 adapted to be fixed on the container 114 adjacent to the outlet 116 such that the closure cap 146 is positioned to selectively cover the vessel outlet 116, and a hinge 150 coupled between the closure cap 146 and the support arm 148 such that the closure cap 146 can pivot relative to the support arm 148. The support arm 148 is preferably frictionally fitted on the container 114 adjacent to the container outlet 116 such that the closure cap 148 substantially covers the outlet of the container 116 as it pivots in the articulation 150 of the regulating cap 144. In accordance with this mode, the regulating cap 144 is preferably constructed of spring steel or stainless steel, which has an inherent spring pressure which pushes the regulating cap 144 to move to its open position as will be discussed in more detail below. While the regulating cap 144 is presented as frictionally fixed on the container 114, the regulating cap 144 may be connected to the container 114 in various ways, such as by means of adhesives, integral molding, rivets, or other methods of fixation without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The regulating cap 144 prevents material flow between the container 114 and the nozzle 120 until the container outlet 116 and the nozzle inlet 140 are substantially aligned. To prevent the flow of material from the vessel outlet 116, the regulating lid 144 moves between a closed position where the material flow from the vessel outlet 116 is blocked and an open position in which the flow of material from the vessel outlet 116 is blocked. material from the outlet of vessel 116 is not impeded (see figures 8 and 10, respectively). The movement of the regulating lid 144 between its closed position and its open position is controlled by the nozzle plate 126 which pushes the regulating lid 144 towards its closed position when the container outlet 116 and the nozzle inlet 140 are not aligned . Specifically, and with reference to Figures 8 to 10, the nozzle plate 126 of the nozzle 120 comes into contact with the closure cap 146 when the nozzle inlet 140 is out of alignment with the container outlet 116; that is, the nozzle 120 is in its first closed position. As the nozzle 120 is displaced towards its second position, and as the nozzle inlet 140 approaches alignment with the container outlet 116, the nozzle plate 126 remains in contact with the closure cap 146 and prevents the cap from closing. regulation 144 moves to its open position. Once the nozzle 120 has moved to a position where the nozzle inlet 140 and the outlet of the container 116 are substantially aligned (i.e., in the second nozzle position or slightly before said second nozzle position), the nozzle plate 126 is no longer in contact with the closing lid 146 and the regulating lid 144 is free to move to its open position. At this point, the material can freely move between the container 114 and the nozzle 120. As stated above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the regulating cap 146 moves to its open position just before the nozzle 120 is displaced. fully to its second position with vessel outlet 116 and nozzle inlet 140 in full alignment. For example, and in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the assortment mechanism of the present invention 112, the regulating cap 146 is released by the nozzle plate 126 when the nozzle 120 has moved to approximately 90% of its second position. However, it will be understood that this predetermined release point may vary according to the size and configuration of the assorted product or the desired initial flow rate. The movement of the regulating cap 144 towards its open position is increased by the spring force of the regulating cap 144 which pushes the regulating cap 144 towards its open position. In addition, the contour of the closure cap 146 substantially corresponds to the contour of the inner wall 152 of the nozzle 120, which allows the regulating cap 144 to deviate fully and be flush with the inner wall 152 of the nozzle 120. When it is desired to have the material flow coming from the vessel outlet 116, the pressure applied to the nozzle 120 is released and the compression springs 142 push the nozzle 120 back towards its first closed position. As the nozzle 120 moves to its first closed position, the nozzle plate 126 immediately pushes the regulating cap 144 towards its closed position. In this way, the regulating cap 144 closes the flow of material between the outlet of the container 116 and the nozzle inlet 140 before the nozzle 120 reaches its fully closed position, thus restricting the flow of product from the container outlet. 116. Furthermore, the invention has been described with the passage of material moving to control the alignment of the container outlet with the entrance of the passage. However, the flow regulator of the present invention could be used in other systems in which the container moves relative to the passage of material, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. While the preferred embodiments were shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to this disclosure but rather that the invention encompasses all modifications and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (18)

1. CLAIMS A flow regulator for controlling the flow of material from a container, where the container includes a container outlet through which the material flows freely when the container outlet is not closed, comprising: a passage of material which includes an inlet, where the entrance of the passage of material moves relative to the container between a first position where the entry of the passage of the material is not aligned with the outlet of the container to prevent free flow of material between the container and the passage of material and a second position wherein the entrance of the passage of material is aligned with the outlet of the container to allow the flow of material between the container and the passage of material; a regulating cap, configured to substantially cover the outlet of the container, connected between the outlet of the container and the entrance of the passage of material, the regulation cover can be moved between a closed position where the flow of material from the outlet is prevented of container when the container salt and the entry of the passage of material are not aligned and an open position in which the flow of material from the outlet of the container is allowed when the container outlet and the entry of the passage of material are substantially aligned; wherein the movement of the passage of material relative to the regulating cap controls the actuation of the regulating cap between an open position and a closed position.
2. The flow regulator in accordance with the claim 1, wherein the passage of material includes a pressure member which restricts the regulating cap in its closed position when the container outlet is out of alignment with the entry of the material passage and releases the regulating cap when the passage entrance of material is substantially aligned with the outlet of the container.
3. The flow regulator according to claim 1, wherein the regulating cap is pushed resiliently.
4. The flow regulator according to claim 3, wherein the passage of material includes a pressure member which restricts the regulating cap in its closed position when the outlet of the container is out of alignment with the outlet of the container.
5. The flow regulator according to claim 3, wherein the regulating cap includes a closure cap configured to substantially cover the outlet of the container, a support arm adapted to be fixed on the container adjacent to the outlet such that the cap The closure cap is positioned to selectively cover the outlet of the container, and a joint engaged between the closure cap and the support arm such that the closure cap can pivot relative to the support arm.
6. The flow regulator according to claim 1, wherein the regulating cap includes a closure cap configured to substantially cover the outlet of the container, a support arm adapted to be fixed on the container adjacent to the outlet such that the cap of closure is positioned to selectively cover the outlet of the container, and a joint coupled between the closure cap and the support arm such that the closure cap can pivot relative to the support arm.
7. A dispensing mechanism for dispensing in a controlled manner the material stored inside a container, comprising: a nozzle adapted to be fixed on a container adjacent to a container outlet, the nozzle includes a nozzle inlet in which the material from the container can flow. container and a nozzle outlet through which material entering the nozzle can exit; a nozzle holder for mounting the nozzle adjacent to the container outlet, the nozzle holder supports the nozzle along the contour of the external surface of the container such that the nozzle can be arcuately moved between a first position in wherein the nozzle inlet is not aligned with the container outlet and a second position in which the nozzle inlet is aligned with the container outlet.
8. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the nozzle holder includes a spring that resiliently urges the nozzle to a closed position.
9. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 7, further including a regulating cap coupled between the container outlet and the nozzle inlet, the regulating cap is configured to substantially cover the outlet of the container, where the regulating cap is located. in a closed position that prevents the material from leaving the container outlet when the outlet of the container and the nozzle inlet are not aligned and the regulation cover is in an open position that allows the flow of material out of the container. container outlet when the container outlet and the nozzle inlet are substantially aligned.
10. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the nozzle includes a nozzle plate which limits the regulating cap in its closed position when the container outlet is out of alignment with the nozzle inlet and releases the cap from regulation when the nozzle inlet is substantially aligned with the container outlet.
11. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the regulating cap includes a closure cap configured to substantially cover the outlet of the container, a support arm adapted to be fixed on the container adjacent to the outlet in such a way that the closure cap is positioned to selectively cover the outlet of the container and a joint engaged between the closure cap and the support arm such that the closure cap can pivot relative to the support arm.
12. 12. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the regulating cap is pushed resiliently.
13. The dispensing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the nozzle holder is used to selectively mount the nozzle on the container. .
14. A dispensing container provided for dispensing in a controlled manner the material stored within the container, comprising: a container having a container outlet through which the material stored within the container can be dispensed.; a nozzle fixed on the container adjacent the outlet of the container, the nozzle includes a nozzle inlet in which the material from the container can flow and a nozzle outlet through which the material entering the nozzle can exit, wherein the nozzle is placed in the container in such a manner that the nozzle can be moved between a first position in which the nozzle inlet is not aligned with the container outlet and a second position in which the nozzle inlet is aligned with the nozzle inlet. container outlet; a regulating cap coupled between the container outlet and the nozzle inlet, the regulating cap is configured to substantially cover the container outlet, where the regulating cap is in a closed position which prevents the passage of material outside the container. container outlet when the container outlet and the nozzle inlet are not aligned and the regulating cap is in an open position that allows material flow out of the container outlet when the container outlet and nozzle inlet are substantially aligned.
15. 15. The dispensing container according to claim 14, wherein the nozzle includes a nozzle plate which limits the adjustment cover in its closed position when the container outlet is out of alignment with the nozzle inlet and releases the cover. regulation when the nozzle inlet is substantially aligned with the container outlet.
16. 16. The dispensing container according to claim 14, wherein the regulating cap includes a closure cap configured to substantially cover the outlet of the container, a support arm adapted to be fixed on the container adjacent to the outlet such that the closure cap is positioned to selectively cover the outlet of the container, and a hinge coupled between the closure cap and the support arm such that the closure cap can pivot relative to the support arm.
17. 17. The dispensing container according to claim 14, wherein the regulating cap is pushed resiliently. The dispensing container according to claim 14, further comprising a nozzle holder for mounting the nozzle adjacent to the container outlet, the nozzle holder supporting the nozzle such that the nozzle can be moved between a first position in which the nozzle inlet is aligned with the outlet of the container and a second position in which the nozzle inlet is not aligned with the container outlet. The dispensing container according to claim 18, wherein the mounting bracket includes a spring that resiliently urges the nozzle toward a closed position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A flow regulator is presented to control the flow of material from a container, where the container includes a container outlet through which the material. It flows freely when the container outlet is not closed. The flow regulator includes a passage of material that has an inlet. The entrance of the passage of material moves relative to the container between a first position where the entrance of the passage of material is not aligned with the outlet of the container to prevent the free flow of material between the container and the passage of material and a second position where the entrance of the passage of material is aligned with the outlet of the container to allow the flow of material between the container and the passage of material. The regulator also includes a regulating cap, configured to substantially cover the outlet of the container, coupled between the outlet of the container and the inlet of the material passage. The regulating cap moves between a closed position in which the flow of material from the container outlet is prevented when the container outlet and the entry of the passage of the material are not aligned and an open position in which the flow of material from the container outlet when the container outlet and the material passage inlet are substantially aligned. In use, the movement of the passage of material relative to the regulating cap controls the actuation of the regulating cap between an open position and a closed position.