NL2004416C2

NL2004416C2 - Container with a portion dispensing device.

Info

Publication number: NL2004416C2
Application number: NL2004416A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Peter Jan Van Der Molen
Original assignee: Peter Jan Van Der Molen; Tuil Johannes Wilhelmus Van; Hoeven Diederik Ter
Priority date: 2010-03-17
Filing date: 2010-03-17
Publication date: 2011-09-20

Description

-1- P30167NL00

CONTAINER WITH A PORTION DISPENSING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a container with a portion dispensing device for dispensing a product in portions from the container.

In a preferred application the container is a squeezable container, e.g. a plastic squeeze 5 bottle that can be squeezed by hand.

In US 6341718, in particular with reference to figures 3A-C of said document, a container with a portion dispensing according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed. This known container is not entirely satisfactory, e.g. with regard to the uniformity of the portions of 10 product that are dispensed and the dispensing of multiple portions in a short time with container being held upside down during the process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved container with a portion dispensing device, or at least an alternative for known containers with a portion dispensing 15 device.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container with a portion dispensing device that allows for repeated dispensing of uniform portions of product, even when done in a short time.

20

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container with a portion dispensing device that allows for setting the volume of the portion that is dispensed.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a container with a portion dispensing device 25 that allows for a setting wherein continuous dispensing of product from the main reservoir is possible.

The present invention provides a container with a portion dispensing device according to claim 1.

The invention is based on the insight that an effective opening force can be exerted on the movable closure member, thereby opening the product inlet valve, by the atmospheric pressure acting on one surface of the closure member and the underpressure in the variable 30 -2- volume product chamber acting on another surface of the closure member in the situation that the pressurization of the product in the main reservoir is removed. If the container is a squeeze bottle this will happen when the bottle is no longer squeezed.

5 Preferred features of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims as well as with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments discussed with reference to the drawings.

The present invention also relates to a portion dispensing device to be mounted on a container for dispensing portions of a product from the container according to claim 17.

10

The present invention also relates to a method for dispensing portions of a product wherein use is made of a container and/or a portion dispensing device according to the invention.

In a possible embodiment the portion dispensing device is embodied to dispense the product 15 as a foamed or aerated product by causing the product to be mixed with pressurized air in the device.

For example the product is a cosmetic product (e.g. shampoo, conditioner, gel, lotion, etc.), a household product (e.g. a detergent, cleaning agent, a dishwashing fluid, a laundry treatment 20 product), a personal care product, a household chemical, a flower grow enhancing product, a beverage concentrate, a beverage, a food product, a vitamin product, a medicine, a health food product, etc.

In the drawings: 25

Fig. 1 shows a first example of a container with a portion dispensing device according to the invention,

Fig. 2A shows in cross-section the container of figure 1 in inverted dispensing position,

Fig. 2B shows on a larger scale the portion dispensing device of fig. 2A, 30 Fig. 3A shows the container with portion dispensing device of figure 2 in a different operating phase,

Fig. 3B shows on a larger scale the portion dispensing device of fig. 3A,

Fig. 4A shows the container with portion dispensing device of figure 2 in a different operating phase, 35 Fig. 4B shows on a larger scale the portion dispensing device of fig. 4A,

Fig. 5A shows in cross-section a second example of a container with portion dispensing device according to the invention, -3-

Fig. 5B shows on a larger scale the portion dispensing device of fig. 5A,

Figs 6A, B, in perspective view and in cross-section a third example of a portion dispensing device according to the invention,

Fig. 6C in cross-section a portion volume setting member of said device of figures 6A, B 5 thereof,

Figs 7A -C in views corresponding to figures 6A - C the device with a different setting of the volume setting member,

Figs 8A-C in views corresponding to figures 6A - C the device with yet another setting of the volume setting member, 10 Fig. 9A shows in cross-section a fourth example of a container with a portion dispensing device according to the invention in preferred inverted dispensing position,

Fig. 9B shows on a larger scale the portion dispensing device of fig. 9A,

Fig. 10A shows the container with portion dispensing device of figure 9 in a different operating phase, 15 Fig. 10B shows on a larger scale the portion dispensing device of fig. 10A,

Fig. 11A shows the container with portion dispensing device of figure 9 in a different operating phase, and

Fig. 11B shows on a larger scale the portion dispensing device of fig. 11 A.

20 A first example of a container with portion dispensing device according to the invention will now be explained with reference to figures 1-4.

The container 1 has a container body with a main reservoir 2 for storage of a fluid product, e.g. a liquid, gel, or paste, e.g. a product as cited above.

25

Preferably the container 1 is shaped and dimensioned to be hand held.

Preferably the container 1 is to be held in inverted position (as shown in figures 1-3) when product is to be dispensed from the container.

30

As is preferred the container body 1 is deformable to pressurize the product in the reservoir 2 and to cause the dispensing of a portion of the product, most preferably by squeezing the container body or part thereof by hand, most preferably when the container is held by the user in inverted dispensing position. In an alternative the container e.g. comprises a 35 deformable wall portion whereas other portions of the container wall are rigid. In yet another alternative the container includes e.g. a movable piston element to pressurize the product in -4- the main reservoir. The container 1 could be arranged in a dispensing machine, that is manually operated or motorized.

As is preferred the wall material of the container 1 is preferably of plastic, e.g. as a blow 5 moulded bottle.

As is preferred the container body wall material has shape restoring properties so that upon release of the compression by the user, the container returns to its original shape. Most preferably the container 1 is a plastic squeeze bottle.

10

In another embodiment the container body could be embodied as a collapsible bag, e.g. in a bag-in- box packaging.

As is preferred the body of the container 1 includes an integral neck 3 protruding outwardly 15 from the container body 1.

A preferred embodiment of a portion dispensing device 20 is provided.

As is preferred the portion dispensing device 20 is fitted on the neck 3 of the container, here 20 - as is preferred - by a screw connection. A bayonet connection or other quick-connect coupling can also be envisaged. If desired the connection can be permanent, e.g. a permanent snap fit, e.g. to prevent refilling of the container.

The device 20 includes a variable volume product chamber 30 and associated variable 25 volume product chamber restoring means.

In this first example the variable volume product chamber 30 is delimited by a cylinder 31 and a piston 32 that is reciprocable in the cylinder 31. Clearly other designs are also possible, e.g. the chamber 30 being embodied as a bellows. Preferably the cylinder 31 and 30 piston 32 are plastic components.

A restoring spring 35 is provided here to act as variable volume product chamber restoring means. The spring 35 urges the variable volume product chamber 30 to its maximum volume, here by biasing the piston 32 to a limit position. Here the spring 35 is arranged 35 inside the chamber 30. As is practical the spring 35 here is a coil spring. The spring 35 could also be arranged outside of the chamber 30. The spring could also be incorporate in the -5- piston, e.g. as a spring part of the piston, e.g. the piston and spring being moulded from plastic.

The variable volume product chamber 30 has a product outlet 40 for passing product from 5 the variable volume product chamber 30. An outlet valve 45 is associated with said outlet 40. As is preferred the outlet valve 45 is a self closing valve, e.g. a check valve. A duckbill valve is shown in this example. As is preferred the outlet valve 45 automatically opens upon suitable pressurization of product in the chamber 30, so that said product flows through said valve 45. As is preferred the valve 45 closes automatically upon completion of discharge of 10 product from the chamber 30 so as to avoid air or product being sucked into the chamber 30.

In this example, as in a practical embodiment of the inventive container, the product is directly discharged from the outlet valve 45, so that no further portion of the device is in contact with the dispensed product other than the valve 45. However, other embodiments are 15 also possible. For example the device 20 can be embodied to dispense the product as a foam, e.g. including one or foam generating members, preferably downstream of the outlet valve of chamber 30. The device 20 can also include, or be connected to, a dispensing tube or other dispensing or applicator fitment, e.g. a brush fitment, e.g. for cosmetic products.

20 The chamber 30 also includes a product inlet 50 that is in communication with the main reservoir 2. An inlet valve 60 is associated with said product inlet 50. The inlet valve 60 governs the entry of product from the main reservoir 2 into the chamber 30.

In general the variable volume product chamber 30 has a volume that is reduced upon 25 increased pressurization of product in the main reservoir 2 of the container 1. The volume of chamber 30 is increased, at least aided by the variable volume product chamber restoring means (here spring 35), when the increased pressurization of the product in the main reservoir 2 of the container is removed.

30 In general the inlet valve 60 is configured to close the product inlet 50 to the chamber 30 upon increase of pressurization of the product in the main reservoir 2 so that product is then passed from the chamber 30 via the product outlet 40. The inlet valve 60 is also configured to open the product inlet 50 upon removal of the increased pressurization of the product in the main reservoir 2 so as to allow for the flow of product from the main reservoir 2 into the 35 variable volume product chamber 30.

-6-

As is practically preferred the inlet valve 60 is arranged in the piston 32 of the variable volume product chamber so as to move with the piston 32.

The inlet valve 60 is an underpressure actuated inlet valve 60. The valve 60 comprises a 5 movable valve member 65 and an associated seat 66 for the movable valve member 65.

Here the seat 66 is integral with the piston 32 of the chamber 30.

The seat 66 faces the main reservoir 2 so that increased pressurization of product in the main reservoir 2 presses the movable valve member 65 onto the seat 66. Figures 2A, B 10 show the inlet valve 60 in closed position.

The movable valve member has a first or external surface 67 in communication with the atmosphere so as to be exposed to atmospheric pressure and has a second or internal surface 68 in communication with the variable volume product chamber 30 so as to be 15 exposed to pressure in said variable volume product chamber.

The inlet valve 60 is configured such that - when an underpressure is created in the variable volume product chamber 30 as a result of increase of the volume of the chamber 30 due to removal of the increased pressurization of the product in the main reservoir 2 - the movable 20 valve member 65 is caused to move from its seat, thereby opening the inlet valve 60 and allowing flow of product (arrows F) from the main reservoir 2 into the variable volume product chamber 3. This is illustrated in figures 4A, B, wherein the piston moves in direction of arrow P to increase the volume of the chamber 30. A more detailed explanation will be given below.

25 In the example shown in figures 1-4 the inlet valve 60 comprises an inlet valve body 61 that is integral, here monolithic, with the piston 32, preferably made of plastic material.

The body 61 has a bore in which the movable valve member 65 is reciprocable. The movable valve member 65 sealingly engages an inner surface of the bore and delimits in the bore an 30 underpressure space 63 and an atmospheric pressure space 64.

The inlet valve body 61 has a passage 64a connecting the atmospheric pressure space 64 to the atmosphere and a passage 63a connecting the underpressure space 63 with the variable volume product chamber 30.

In this example the movable valve member 65 comprises a tubular main body portion 65a and an annular flange 65b surrounding said main body portion. The periphery of the annular 35 -7- flange 65b sealingly engages the inner surface of the bore, here a sealing ring being provided.

As is preferred the inlet valve 60 comprises an inlet valve restoring means that provides a 5 restoring force urging the movable inlet valve member 65 towards its seat 66. Here a spring 69 is provided as restoring means, the spring 69 being arranged between the valve body 61 and the movable valve member 65.

In order to allow air into the main reservoir 2 after a portion of product has been dispensed, it 10 is envisaged to have a vent passage, preferably a vent passage that does not extend through the chamber 30 but bypasses the variable volume product chamber 30. This avoids undesired mixing of the product with air or entry of air into the chamber 30 that would disturb the proper dispensing of a portion of product.

15 As is preferred the vent passage includes a straw 70 that is connected at one end to the piston 32 of the chamber 30 and that extends into the container towards the bottom end thereof. As is preferred a self-closing valve 75, here a duckbill valve, is associated with the vent passage that allows entry of air into the reservoir 2 yet prevents exit of air and product via the vent passage.

20

In this example the portion dispensing device has a body with a dispensing wall or top wall 21 having a valved dispensing opening therein with outlet valve 45, here centrally arranged in the wall 21 as is preferred.

25 The body of the device 20 here includes a peripheral skirt 22 that is integral with the top wall 21 and is provided with suitable screw thread or other connector means connecting the body of the device 20 to the container, here screwed onto the neck 3.

In this example the chamber 30 includes cylinder 31 that is integral with the body of the 30 device and concentrically with the skirt 22. A space, here an annular space 23, between the chamber 30 and the skirt 22 is in open communication with the atmosphere, here via one or more openings 24 in the body of the device 20, here in the wall 21.

In this example a tubular portion 25 of the body of the device 20 is concentrically arranged 35 within the cylinder 31 and integral with the wall 21, said tubular body portion housing the outlet valve 40. Also the tubular portion 25 here, as is preferred, serves to support an end of the spring 35.

-8-

The piston 32 here includes a cylindrical portion 32a that slidingly cooperates with the cylinder 31. As is preferred the cylindrical portion 32a is provided with a sealing ring 33 that cooperates with the cylinder 31.

5

The piston 32 here forms a shoulder 34 or support for supporting the other end of the spring 35. The shoulder 34 here extends annularly around a bore in the piston 32 in which tubular portion 65a of the inlet valve is reciprocably received.

10 As indicated the passage 64a serves to bring the space 64 in open communication with the atmosphere, here through said passage 64a (as is preferred multiple passages 64a are provided distributed around the circumference of the piston) being in open communication with the space 23.

15 In this example the space 23 is partly delimited by a cylindrical portion 26 of the body of device 20.

In this example the cylindrical portion 26 extends into the neck of the container, here - as is less preferred - into the container body beyond the neck of the container. The piston 32 has 20 a body portion 32b, here at the end facing the reservoir 2, that is slidingly received in said portion 26 in a sealing manner. Thus the space 23 is partly delimited also by the portion 32b of the piston.

As is preferred the vent passage extends through said portion 32b of the piston 32 to 25 connect the straw 70 to the space 23.

The operation of the container can be readily understood from the figures 1 - 4.

In figure 2 the container 1 with dispensing device 20 is shown in at rest situation. It is here 30 assumed that the chamber 30 is filled with product due to earlier operation of the container with dispensing device. In this at rest position (which can also be with the device 20 on the top end during storage of the container) the spring 69 ensures that the inlet valve 60 is closed. So no product can flow back from the chamber 30 into the main reservoir 2 and vice versa.

35

For dispensing of a portion of product it is envisaged that the container 1 is held in inverted position, as shown in figs 2-4.

-9-

Then the user squeezes the container 1 in order to dispense a metered portion of the product from chamber 30. The metered portion here basically corresponds to the volume of product that is expelled from the chamber 30 without new product flowing into said chamber 30.

5

Squeezing the container 1 leads to pressurization of the product in the main reservoir 2 of container 1. The pressurized product in the reservoir 2 presses against the piston 32 which then moves (against the spring 35) towards the compressed position of the chamber 30. This situation is shown in figure 3A, B.

10

The product pressure also acts on the movable valve member 65 and forces it against it seat 66, so that the inlet valve 60 remains closed during the expulsion of product from the chamber 30 via the outlet valve 45. As mentioned this outlet valve 45 automatically opens due to pressure of the product in the chamber 30. Once the piston 32 reaches its limit 15 position continued squeezing of the container does not lead to further dispensing of product as the inlet valve 60 remains closed. So the dispensing of the portion is then completed.

The user will now stop squeezing the container 1. The piston 32 of the chamber 30 will now start to move towards its start position as shown in figures 4A, B. This motion is caused in 20 this example partly by the spring 35 and partly by an underpressure within the reservoir 2 as the venting will not immediately relieve said underpressure in the container. In other designs one of these effects may also suffice to cause this motion of the piston 32.

The motion of the piston 32 causes the effective volume of the chamber 30 to increase. As 25 the outlet valve 45 is automatically closed now, no air can be sucked into the chamber via said valve 45. Therefore an underpressure occurs in the chamber 30.

The valve member 65 is now subjected on one side, exterior surface 67, to the atmospheric pressure and on the other side, interior surface 68, to the underpressure in chamber 30. This 30 causes an effective opening force on the valve member 65 and causes the valve member 65 to move from its seat 66 as shown in figure 4A, B. Now the chamber 30 is in communication with the reservoir 2. The product will now flow into the chamber 30 (as indicated with arrows F) due to the sucking action of the expanding chamber 30, possibly aided by gravity as the container is still held in inverted position.

35

Finally the position of figure 2 is reached again. A dispensing of a further portion may now be effected without the need to change the inverted position of the container into an upright -10- position, simply by squeezing the container body again. There is no need to bring the container in an upright position, with the device on top, between successive discharges of portions.

5 A second example of a container with portion dispensing device according to the invention will now be explained with reference to figure 5.

In figures 5A and 5B parts corresponding to parts identical or similar to parts of the first exemplary embodiment have been denoted with the same reference numeral.

10

In the embodiment shown here the variable volume product chamber 30 is formed by a flexible bellows 131 instead of a telescopic chamber structure of which an example is shown in figures 1-4.

15 The bellows 131 is connected to the outlet 40. Here the outlet passage is formed as an integral extension of the wall of the bellows 131. Here, as an optional feature, an outlet valve 45 is integral with the bellows 131.

At the inlet side of the bellows 131, the bellows 131 connects to reciprocable piston 32. The 20 piston 32 includes the inlet 50 into the chamber 30 and an underpressure actuated inlet valve 160.

The piston 32 is reciprocable in the portion dispensing device 120, here in cylindrical part 26 thereof.

25

The underpressure actuated inlet valve 160 has the same functionality as inlet valve 60, yet is of a different construction.

Here the movable valve member 65 also fits in a seat 66 formed by the piston 32, at the side 30 of the piston 32 facing the reservoir 2 so that pressurizing the product in the reservoir 2 presses the member 65 onto its seat 66.

The movable valve member 65 now is integral with a flexible diaphragm 165b that is at its outer contour connected to the valve body 61 (which is integral with the piston 32 in this 35 example).

-11-

The diaphragm 165b defines an underpressure space 63 that is in open communication with the chamber 30 via passage 63a. An exterior surface 67 of the diaphragm 165b is exposed to the atmospheric pressure in space 64 via openings 64a, space 23 and openings 24.

5 As is preferred the diaphragm 165b itself is embodied to provide a restoring force that urges the valve member 65 towards its seat 66. The use of the diaphragm 165b thus obviates the need for a sliding seal as in the valve 60 and in this preferred embodiment with restoring properties also obviates the need for a separate inlet valve restoring spring. If desired such a spring may nevertheless be provided.

10

In more detail, as is preferred, the inlet valve diaphragm 165b connects at its inner contour to double-walled section 162a of a tubular portion 162 that is in open communication with the chamber 30. The tubular portion 162 includes a section with one or more ports 163 and terminates at the closure portion of movable valve member 65 which cooperates with the 15 seat 66.

The piston 32 here has a tubular portion 32d into which the tubular portion 162 extends. One or more passages 63a are present between these portions 162, 32d to provide open communication between the space 63 and the chamber 30 via ports 163. The tubular portion 20 162 is more rigid then the flexible diaphragm 165b.

The double-walled section 162a sealing slides in an opening of a further wall portion 32e of the piston 32, so that the chamber 30 is separated from the atmospheric pressure space 64.

25 It will be appreciated that operation of inlet valve 160 is similar to the operation of inlet valve 60.

The operation will now be explained shortly under the assumption that the chamber 30 is filled with product and the container 1 ’ is held in inverted position as in figure 5. When the 30 container is compressed the pressurized product in reservoir 2 acts on the piston 32 which will then slide in the housing of device 120 along wall 26. The flexible bellows 131 is compressed and the chamber 30 reduces in size. The product therein is then expelled via outlet valve 45. During the expulsion of product from chamber 30 the inlet valve 160 remains closed due to product pressure on the surface 65e facing the reservoir 2 of said movable 35 valve member 65 which is then exposed to the increased product pressure.

-12-

If the piston 32 reaches its limit position, here defined by a stop surface 26a, the dispensing of a portion is completed.

Then the user will stop squeezing the container. The temporary underpressure in reservoir 2 5 and/or the restoring force of the bellows 131 cause the piston 32 to start to move to its starting position. The underpressure caused thereby in chamber 30 results in an effective force on the diaphragm 165b that moves the valve member 65 from its seat 66. Then product can flow into the chamber 30 from the reservoir 2 until the chamber 30 is filled and the piston 32 returned to its starting position. The restoring property of the diaphragm 165b will then aid 10 to close the inlet valve 160.

As explained with reference to the first and second exemplary embodiments the inventive container with portion dispensing device allows to dispense a metered portion of product from the container, e.g. by simply squeezing the container until the portion is dispensed after 15 which the dispensing stops even if the squeezing would be continued.

It is envisaged as an optional feature that the size of the portion to the dispensed can be set by the user prior to dispensing the portion. An example thereof will now be illustrated with reference to figures 6 - 8 wherein a portion dispensing device 200 according to the invention 20 is shown. It will be appreciated that this device 200 can be fitted on a suitable container, e.g. screwed onto the neck of a container as shown in figures 1-5.

In the device 200 many parts can be recognized that are identical or similar in functionality to parts in the exemplary embodiments above. These parts will not be discussed here again 25 and referral is made to the above description thereof.

The major difference is the additional feature of the setting of the size of the portion. To achieve this a portion volume setting member 220, as an example of generally cylindrical shape, is arranged between the piston 32 and the housing or main body of the device 200.

30

In this example the cylindrical member 220 includes a stepped inner stop face 221, here on its inner surface, e.g. as shown in figures 6C, 7C and 8C.

The stepped inner stop face 221 is adapted to cooperate with a corresponding stop face on 35 cylinder 31. However the cylinder 31 here forms part of a rotary user operable portion 230 of the device 200. Depending on the user selected angular position of said user operable portion 230 a selection is made between multiple distinct maximum strokes of the piston 32.

-13-

Thereby the user can pre-select the volume of the portion to be dispensed from the filled chamber 30.

As is preferred the portion volume setting member provides for a locking or zero-setting of 5 the portion device 20. In this example a locking of the piston 32 in its starting position so that no product is expelled at all if the product in the main reservoir 2 is pressurized. This situation is shown in figure 6 where the arrow A indicates the locking step in face 221 which is then active. As an alternative, e.g. in absence of this portion volume setting, a distinct user operable locking device may be provided that prevents compression of the variable volume 10 product chamber.

As is preferred the device 200 includes a visual indicator, here the zero in window 231 of portion 230, that the device 200 is locked.

15 It will be appreciated that the possibility for the user to lock the piston 32 may be helpful for storage and/or transport of the container with the portion dispensing device.

A tamper-evident arrangement can be envisaged in combination with the locking means for the piston 32, e.g. to disclose visibly and/or audible that the locking means are unlocked for 20 the first time, e.g. when a new container is first used by a consumer.

Figure 7 illustrates the situation wherein the user has selected a portion size indicated with numeral 10 in window 231 of the rotary member 230. The figure 6B shows the piston 32 when the dispensing of the chosen portion is completed. Now the step indicated with arrow B 25 is active to block further motion of the piston 32 in dispensing direction.

Figure 8 illustrates the situation wherein the user has selected a larger portion size indicated with numeral 20 in window 231 of the rotary member 230. Now the piston 32 has completed its largest possible stroke and thus the maximum size portion has been dispensed.

30

In an embodiment not shown in the drawings it is envisaged that the product inlet valve, in addition to its underpressure actuation as disclosed herein, can also be actuated by a secondary mechanical actuation to open and/or keep open the valve. For instance as a variant of device 200 a setting or a further setting could be envisaged of the member 220, 35 wherein a portion of the body of the device, e.g. portion 25, mechanically contacts the movable valve member 65 to open the inlet valve 60, e.g. when the piston 32 is in its most -14- retracted position, e.g. so that continuous dispensing is possible by continuing to squeeze the container.

A fourth example of a container with portion dispensing device according to the invention will 5 now be explained with reference to figures 9-11.

In figures 9-11 parts corresponding to parts identical or similar in functionality to parts of one or more of the preceding exemplary embodiments have been denoted with the same reference numeral.

10

The fourth example discloses a portion dispensing device wherein a portion of product is dispensed as foam caused by mixing the portion of product with air within the dispensing device. The portion of product could also be aerated by mixing the product with air, e.g. a gel into which air is mixed during dispensing, e.g. as a cosmetic product.

15

In this embodiment the dispensing device 320 fitted on the container 300 (here a squeeze bottle as is preferred) comprises a variable volume air chamber 310 as part of an air pump in the device 320, said air pump being operated by pressurization of product in the main reservoir 2 (here by squeezing the bottle). Upon squeezing the container 300 the air pump 20 causes air to be pressurized. This pressurized air is fed to a mixing arrangement wherein said air is mixed with the portion of product that emerges from the variable volume product chamber 30. So a portion of product in foamed or aerated condition is dispensed from the container 300.

25 As is preferred a single piston 32 is common for both the variable volume air chamber 310 and the variable volume product chamber 30 so as to limit the number of parts of the device 320.

As is preferred the air chamber 310 and the product chamber 30 are concentrically arranged, 30 most preferably the air chamber 310 surrounding the product chamber 30.

Many mixing arrangements are known to obtain a suitable mixing of air with product from chamber 30 and can be incorporated in the device 320. In this example a mixing and dispensing passage 330 is provided into which the air and product enter and are mixed.

35 Foam forming can be enhanced by one or more sieves 340 or similar in said passage 330.

-15-

The embodiment shown here a combined air and product chambers outlet valve 350 is provided at the outlet of the air chamber 310 and the product chamber 30. As an alternative separate outlet valves can be provided. Figures 10A and B illustrate that said valve 350 opens as a consequence of pressurization of the air and the product in the chambers 310 5 and 30 respectively. The valve 350 - as is preferred - is self-closing, e.g. embodied as a resilient member overlying ports 30a and 310a to the chambers 30 and 310.

An air chamber inlet valve 310b is present, here embodied as a self-closing valve as is preferred.

10

As a preferred feature the vent passage for main reservoir 2 extends through the air chamber 310 of the air pump in device 320. This can be seen as valve 75 is in communication with the air chamber 310.

15 In this embodiment an atmospheric pressure duct 360 is provided to bring the atmosphere in communication with the external surface of the underpressure actuated inlet valve of the product chamber 30. In this example said duct 360 is a telescopic duct, one portion being integral with piston 32 and the other portion with the housing of the device 320.

20 In this example the dispensing passage 330 is formed by a cap member 370 fitted on the housing of the device 320. The cap 370 has a dispensing opening 371, a sieve 340 (as preferred embodiment of the cap) being arranged in front of the dispensing opening 371.

In this example a gap between the cap 370 and the housing of device 320 allows for entry of air to the air chamber 310 and the opening 24 of duct 360.

25

The operation of the container 300 with foamed product portion dispensing device 320 will readily follow from the figures 9-12 wherein various operating states are shown in detail.

In figures 9A, B the container 300 and device 320 are shown in an inverted dispensing 30 position without the container 300 being squeezed. The product chamber inlet valve 65 is closed, biased by spring 69 onto its seat in piston 32. The chamber 30 is filled with product and air is present in chamber 310.

Upon squeezing the container 300 the product in main reservoir 2 is pressurized. This 35 causes the piston 32 to move downwards. Both the air chamber 310 and the product chamber 30 are now reduced as to their effective volume and air and product are pressurized. This causes the valve 350 to open, as shown in figures 10A, B.

5 -16-

Air and product now enter the passage or chamber 330 in a manner so as to cause the formation of a foamed product, e.g. a soap, shampoo, detergent, or other foaming product.

As is known one or more sieves 340 (e.g. in series) enhance the formation of suitable foam.

Continued motion of the piston 32 downwards causes the portion of product to be expelled from the chamber 30 and a foamed portion of product to be dispensed from the opening 371. Finally the piston 32 reaches its limit position and dispensing is stopped.

10 Now the squeezing of the container 300 is stopped as well. Due to shape restoring properties of the container wall the piston 32 returns to its original position. The product inlet valve 65 opens in the same manner as explained herein before as the atmospheric pressure acts on the external surface 67 of the movable valve member via duct 360.

15 Air to make up for the discharged product is also sucked into main reservoir 2 via the chamber 310 and the valve 75 and straw 70. If desired the venting may take another route, preferably separated from the product chamber 30 as explained before.

In an alternative foaming embodiment of the device 320 the air chamber 310 is absent and 20 air under pressure is directly retrieved from the top side of the main reservoir as the container is squeezed in inverted dispensing position. For example an air straw is provided that connects to a mixing means downstream of the outlet valve of the variable volume product chamber.

25 The skilled person will appreciate that a feature, e.g. a preferred feature, disclosed herein with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments may also be combined with one or more of the other examplary embodiments.

Claims

A holder with a portion dispensing device for dispensing portions of a product from the holder, which holder has a holder body with a main reservoir for storing a product, the portion dispensing device comprising: - a variable volume of product chamber and associated variable volume product chamber resetting means, which variable volume product chamber has: - a product outlet for allowing product to pass from the variable volume product chamber, wherein an outlet valve belongs to said outlet, - a product inlet in connection with the main reservoir, to which an inlet valve belongs at said product inlet, wherein the variable volume of product chamber has a volume that becomes smaller with increasing pressurization of product in the main reservoir of the container, and that becomes larger, at least aided by the variable volume of product chamber reset means, when increasing under pressurizing product in the main reservoir of the container is lifted, the inlet valve being designed to close the product inlet when the product is pressurized in the main reservoir so that product is then discharged from the chamber via the product outlet, the inlet valve being designed to open the product inlet upon lifting said increasing pressurization so as to allow flow of product from the main reservoir into the variable volume of product chamber, and wherein the inlet valve has a movable closing member and an associated seat for the closing member, and wherein increasing pressurizing of product in the main reservoir forces the movable shut-off member on its seat, characterized in that the inlet valve is an underpressure-operated inlet valve, the movable shut-off member having a first surface in communication with the atmosphere so as to be exposed to atmospheric pressure, and a second surface that communicates with the variable volume product chamber so as to be exposed to the pressure in that variable volume product chamber, the inlet valve being designed such that - when an underpressure has been generated in the variable volume product chamber due to an increase in the volume of that chamber due to the elimination of increasing pressurization of product in the main reservoir - causes the movable closure member to move from its seat 20, thereby allowing flow of product from the main reservoir to the variable volume of product chamber.

The container of claim 1, wherein the variable volume of product chamber is bounded by a cylinder and a piston that is reciprocally movable in the cylinder. 25

The container of claim 2, wherein the inlet valve is disposed in the piston.

Holder as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein a variable chamber return spring is provided, for example arranged in the variable volume of product chamber. 30

Container according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the outlet valve is a self-closing valve, for example a duck bill valve.

6. Container as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the inlet valve 35 comprises an inlet valve body with a bore in which the movable shut-off member is movable to and fro, the movable shut-off member sealingly engaging an inner surface of the bore and in said bore a underpressure space and an atmospheric pressure space, the inlet valve body having a passage connecting the atmospheric pressure space with the atmosphere and a passage connecting the underpressure space with the variable product chamber.

The container of claim 6, wherein the movable closure member has a tubular main body portion and an annular flange that surrounds the main body portion.

8. Container as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the inlet valve 10 comprises a reset means which provides a reset force which forces the movable closing member to its seat.

9. Container as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the inlet valve comprises a flexible diaphragm fixed at its outer circumference to the valve body, wherein a first surface of the flexible diaphragm is in communication with the atmosphere and wherein a second surface of the diaphragm is connected to the variable volume of the product chamber.

10. Container as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the portion-dispensing device has an adjusting means which is adapted to enable the user to adjust the volume of a portion to be dispensed, for example several different maximum volumes of a portion portion to be dispensed.

11. Holder as claimed in at least claims 2 and 10, wherein the adjusting means are adapted to provide a plurality of positions of the stroke of the piston.

12. Container as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the portion dispensing device has a continuously opened adjusting device which is adapted to keep the movable inlet valve member from its seat for continuous dispensing from the container.

A container according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the container has an aeration passage to allow air into the container to compensate for the product dispensed. 35

The container of claim 13, wherein the aeration passage extends around the variable volume of product chamber.

Container according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing device is adapted to mix the product that comes out of the variable volume of product chamber with air so that a foaming or aerated product is dispensed.

A container according to claim 15, wherein the dispensing device further comprises a variable volume of air chamber, preferably a container according to claim 2, wherein a single piston is common to both the variable volume of air chamber and the variable volume of air chamber.

17. A serving dispenser for applying to a dispenser for dispensing portions of a product from the dispenser, the dispenser having a dispenser body with a main reservoir for storing a product, the dispensing dispenser comprising: a variable volume of product chamber and associated variable volume of product chamber resetting means, which variable volume of product chamber has: - a product outlet for allowing product to pass from the variable volume of product chamber, wherein an outlet valve belongs to said outlet, - a product inlet in connection with the main reservoir, wherein a The inlet valve is associated with said product inlet, wherein the variable volume of product chamber has a volume that decreases with increasing pressurization of product in the main reservoir of the container, and that becomes larger, at least aided by the variable volume of product chamber resetting means, when the 30 increasing pressurization of product in h The main reservoir of the container is lifted, the inlet valve being designed to close the product inlet when the product is brought under pressure in the main reservoir so that the product is then discharged from the chamber via the product outlet 35, the inlet valve being configured to open the product inlet upon cancellation of said increasing pressurization so as to allow flow of product from the main reservoir into the variable volume product chamber, and wherein the inlet valve has a movable closure member and an associated seat for the closure member, and wherein Increasingly pressurizing the product in the main reservoir forces the movable shut-off member on its seat, characterized in that the inlet valve is an underpressure-operated inlet valve, the movable shut-off member having a first surface which communicates with the atmosphere so as to to be exposed to atmospheric pressure, and a second surface ak that communicates with the variable volume of product chamber so as to be exposed to the pressure in that variable volume of product chamber, the inlet valve being designed such that - when an underpressure has been generated in the variable volume of product chamber as a result of an increase in the volume of that chamber due to the elimination of increasing pressurization of product in the main reservoir - causes the movable closure member to move from its seat, thereby allowing flow of product from the main reservoir to the variable volume of product chamber.

A method for dispensing portions of a product from a container, for example a squeeze bottle, wherein use is made of a container or a portion of dispensing device according to one or more of the preceding claims.