US20070034718A1 - Improvements in or relating to nozzle devices - Google Patents

Improvements in or relating to nozzle devices Download PDF

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Publication number
US20070034718A1
US20070034718A1 US10/545,745 US54574504A US2007034718A1 US 20070034718 A1 US20070034718 A1 US 20070034718A1 US 54574504 A US54574504 A US 54574504A US 2007034718 A1 US2007034718 A1 US 2007034718A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
nozzle device
chamber
outlet
pump
pressure
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/545,745
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English (en)
Inventor
Keith Laidler
Timothy Rodd
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Incro Ltd
Original Assignee
Incro Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0303698A external-priority patent/GB0303698D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0305597A external-priority patent/GB0305597D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0308909A external-priority patent/GB0308909D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0310244A external-priority patent/GB0310244D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0318022A external-priority patent/GB0318022D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0320720A external-priority patent/GB0320720D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0327423A external-priority patent/GB0327423D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0400858A external-priority patent/GB0400858D0/en
Application filed by Incro Ltd filed Critical Incro Ltd
Assigned to INCRO LIMITED reassignment INCRO LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LAIDLER, KEITH, RODD, TIMOTHY
Publication of US20070034718A1 publication Critical patent/US20070034718A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/007—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed being opened by deformation of a sealing element made of resiliently deformable material, e.g. flaps, skirts, duck-bill valves
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0027—Means for neutralising the actuation of the sprayer ; Means for preventing access to the sprayer actuation means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/0005—Components or details
    • B05B11/0062—Outlet valves actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
    • B05B11/0072—A valve member forming part of an outlet opening
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/06—Gas or vapour producing the flow, e.g. from a compressible bulb or air pump
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1009—Piston pumps actuated by a lever
    • B05B11/1011—Piston pumps actuated by a lever without substantial movement of the nozzle in the direction of the pressure stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1029—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall actuated by a lever
    • B05B11/103—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall actuated by a lever without substantial movement of the nozzle in the direction of the pressure stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1032—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall actuated without substantial movement of the nozzle in the direction of the pressure stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1028—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall
    • B05B11/1033—Pumps having a pumping chamber with a deformable wall the deformable wall, the inlet and outlet valve elements being integrally formed, e.g. moulded
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1059—Means for locking a pump or its actuation means in a fixed position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1081—Arrangements for pumping several liquids or other fluent materials from several containers, e.g. for mixing them at the moment of pumping
    • B05B11/1084—Arrangements for pumping several liquids or other fluent materials from several containers, e.g. for mixing them at the moment of pumping each liquid or other fluent material being pumped by a separate pump
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1081—Arrangements for pumping several liquids or other fluent materials from several containers, e.g. for mixing them at the moment of pumping
    • B05B11/1084—Arrangements for pumping several liquids or other fluent materials from several containers, e.g. for mixing them at the moment of pumping each liquid or other fluent material being pumped by a separate pump
    • B05B11/1085—Arrangements for pumping several liquids or other fluent materials from several containers, e.g. for mixing them at the moment of pumping each liquid or other fluent material being pumped by a separate pump the pumps being coaxial
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1087—Combination of liquid and air pumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1097—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle with means for sucking back the liquid or other fluent material in the nozzle after a dispensing stroke
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
    • B65D83/20—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means operated by manual action, e.g. button-type actuator or actuator caps
    • B65D83/207—Actuators comprising a manually operated valve and being attachable to the aerosol container, e.g. downstream a valve fitted to the container; Actuators associated to container valves with valve seats located outside the aerosol container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/16—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means
    • B65D83/22—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant characterised by the actuating means with a mechanical means to disable actuation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/56—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant with means for preventing delivery, e.g. shut-off when inverted
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
    • B65D83/75—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74
    • B65D83/753—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74 characterised by details or accessories associated with outlets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/14—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for delivery of liquid or semi-liquid contents by internal gaseous pressure, i.e. aerosol containers comprising propellant for a product delivered by a propellant
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    • B65D83/753—Aerosol containers not provided for in groups B65D83/16 - B65D83/74 characterised by details or accessories associated with outlets
    • B65D83/7535—Outlet valves opened by the product to be delivered
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/04—Deformable containers producing the flow, e.g. squeeze bottles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1052—Actuation means
    • B05B11/1053—Actuation means combined with means, other than pressure, for automatically opening a valve during actuation; combined with means for automatically removing closures or covers from the discharge nozzle during actuation

Definitions

  • Improvements in or relating to nozzle devices This invention relates to improvements in or relating to nozzle devices and, more particularly but not exclusively, to improvements in or relating to pump-action nozzle devices and methods of making such devices.
  • Pump-action nozzle devices are commonly used to provide a means by which fluids can be dispensed from a non-pressurised container.
  • the present invention provides a solution to at least some of the problems associated with conventional pump-action nozzle devices by providing, in a first aspect, a pump-action nozzle device adapted to enable fluid stored in a fluid source to be dispensed through said nozzle during use, said nozzle having a body which defines a first chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the fluid source by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at least a minimum threshold amount, and a second chamber which comprises at least an outlet and an outlet valve, wherein at least a portion of the body which defines said first and second chambers is configured to:
  • said nozzle device further comprises an actuator member which extends over at least a portion of said portion of the body and which is configured such that the application of a pressure to said actuator causes the actuator member to engage said portion of the body and cause it to deform from its initial resiliently biased configuration to compress said first and second chambers.
  • the nozzle device of the present invention address many of the drawback of known pump-action spray nozzle devices by providing a device which is extremely simple in design and which will typically comprise no more than six separate component parts that are fitted together to form the assembled nozzle device.
  • the device will comprise no more than three component parts or, more preferably, two separate component parts or, even more preferably, the device is formed from a single, integrally formed component.
  • separatate component parts we mean that the parts are not linked in any way, i.e. they are not integrally formed with one another (but each separate component part may comprise one or more integral parts or portions).
  • the key to reducing the number of components lies in the formation of the necessary features integrally within the body of the device. For instance, the chamber, inlet, inlet valve, outlet, and outlet valve can all be defined by the body, thereby reducing the need to include separate components with all the consequential increases in component and assembly costs.
  • the nozzle device of the present invention is further adapted to solve the problems associated with pump-action nozzle devices of simpler construction disclosed in EP 0 442 858 A2 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,820,689 and EP 0 649 684 by the provision of an actuator member.
  • the actuator member provides a convenient means by which the dispensing of fluid from the first and second chambers can be actuated.
  • the nozzle devices of the present invention additionally provide a means by which two fluids may be dispensed from the nozzle device simultaneously.
  • the nozzle device may comprise a third and a fourth additional chamber for certain applications.
  • Each chamber may comprise a liquid, or one or more of the additional chamber may comprise air or another gaseous fluid.
  • the actuator member may be an arm that an operator pushes to cause the said portion of the body to deform.
  • the actuator member is a cap that extends over the resiliently deformable portion of the body to form a surface which can be depressed by an operator in order to cause the said portion of the body to deform and thereby actuate the dispensing of fluid from the chamber of the device.
  • the surface formed by the cap is a continuous surface.
  • the actuator surface is disposed on the upper surface of the device.
  • the actuator member may be configured to flex or otherwise deform when a pressure is applied to its external surface so as to enable the resiliently deformable portion of the body defining the chamber to be deformed from its resiliently biased configuration.
  • the actuator member is rigid or substantially rigid.
  • the actuator member is configured so that it can slide relative to the body of the nozzle device when a pressure is applied, thereby enabling the resiliently deformable portion of the body to be selectively engaged and displaced from its resiliently biased position in response to the application of a pressure to the actuator.
  • the handle is pivotally mounted to the body of the device.
  • the actuator member is a trigger actuator.
  • the trigger actuator comprises a trigger handle that can be pulled by an operator and an engagement portion configured to engage said portion of the body and cause it to deform from its resiliently biased position when said trigger handle is pulled.
  • the trigger actuator is adapted so that when an operator pulls the trigger, a portion of the engagement portion engages the resiliently deformable portion of the body and causes it to resiliently deform, thereby compressing the chamber and causing fluid present in the chamber to be expelled through the outlet of the device.
  • the handle of the trigger actuator extends below the outlet in a similar manner to conventional trigger nozzle devices, i.e. enabling an operator to grip the nozzle device, point the outlet in the desired direction and dispense fluid by pulling the trigger actuator towards the base of the nozzle device.
  • the trigger actuator is pivotally mounted to the body of the nozzle device such that pulling the trigger handle causes the engagement portion to pivot and apply pressure to the resiliently deformable portion of the body of the nozzle device.
  • the resilience of the resiliently deformable portion of the body of the nozzle device urges the trigger back to its initial “non-pulled” configuration.
  • the pivotal connection may be formed at any suitable position.
  • the pivot may be provided at an edge of the upper surface (e.g. a front or back edge), or more preferably, the pivotal connection may be on the upper surface at a position, which is displaced from an edge of the device, for example, at or near to the middle of the upper surface of the device. This latter positioning of the pivotal connection has been found to provide a more natural or “familiar” feel to an operator when the trigger is pulled.
  • the trigger actuator may also be partially or totally over moulded with a flexible plastic to provide a softer contact surface and thus, increase the comfort for the operator when it is grasped. Over-moulding with a flexible plastic can also be applied to the back hinge to strengthen it if desired.
  • the resiliently deformable portion of the chamber may be thickened and/or include strengthening ribs that extend across the resiliently deformable body portion.
  • the actuator member may be a separate component, which can be connected to the nozzle device.
  • the actuator is integrally formed with the body.
  • the actuator is linked to the body by a foldable connection element and is configured to pivot about the connection element to enable the said portion of the body to be deformed.
  • the second chamber may also comprise an inlet through which a fluid from a second fluid source, e.g. a separate compartment of the container to which the device is attached, can be drawn in.
  • a fluid from a second fluid source e.g. a separate compartment of the container to which the device is attached
  • the second chamber preferably comprises an inlet equipped with an inlet valve.
  • the second chamber may not comprise an inlet at all. Instead a reservoir of the second fluid may be stored within the second chamber which is either dispensed in one single actuation or, more preferably, the outlet of the second chamber may be configured to only permit a predetermined amount of the second fluid to be dispensed with each actuation.
  • the additional fluid contained in the second chamber may be a gas or a mixture of gasses such as air.
  • the mixture of an air stream with another fluid can be exploited to either break up the spray droplets dispensed from the device in the case of spray nozzle device, or modify the properties of the ejected product, e.g. by causing foaming, in the case of more viscous fluids, such as hair mousses, creams, shaving foams etc.
  • the second chamber or a further an additional chamber for the expulsion of air is present, it shall be appreciated that, once the expulsion of air is complete and the applied pressure is removed thereby allowing the resiliently deformable portion of the chamber to deform back to its initial resiliently biased configuration, more air needs to be drawn into the chamber to replenish that expelled.
  • This can be achieved by either sucking air back in through the outlet (i.e. by making the outlet valve a two way valve) or, more preferably, by drawing air in from the external environment though a separate air inlet.
  • the air inlet is preferably provided with a one-way valve similar to the inlet valve discussed above. This valve will only permit air to be drawn into the chamber and will prevent air being expelled back through the hole when the chamber is compressed.
  • the second fluid is air then this will typically require the air chamber to be compressed more (e.g. 5 to 200 times more—depending on the application concerned) than the fluid/liquid-containing chamber.
  • This may be achieved by positioning the chambers so that, when a pressure is applied, the compression of the air-containing chamber occurs preferentially, thereby enabling the air and liquid to be ejected at the same or substantially the same pressure.
  • the air-containing chamber may be positioned behind the liquid-containing chamber so that, when a pressure is applied, the air chamber is compressed first until a stage is reached when both chambers are compressed together.
  • the nozzle device may also be adapted in such a way that the pressure with which fluid is released from the second chamber is higher or lower than the liquid pressure, which may be beneficial for certain applications.
  • the arrangement is configured so as to enable the application of a pressure to the resiliently deformable portion of the body to facilitate the distortion/opening of the outlet valves at a predetermined point or time.
  • the air chamber is disposed between the actuator member and the body of the device such that pressing or pulling (in the case of trigger actuators) the actuator towards the body causes the air chamber to be compressed.
  • air and fluid from the container may be present in a single chamber, rather than separate chambers.
  • fluid and air is co-ejected and may be mixed as it flows through the outlet.
  • the outlet comprises an expansion chamber, i.e. a widened chamber positioned in the outlet passageway, the contents ejected from the chamber could be split into separate branches of the channel and enter the expansion chamber at different locations to encourage mixing.
  • the contents of the two or more chambers can be ejected simultaneously through the same or separate outlets by simultaneously compressing both chambers together.
  • the outlets of said first and second chambers each comprise an outlet passageway that extends from the each respective chamber to separate outlet orifices.
  • the outlets of said first and second chambers comprise an outlet passageway that extends from the each respective chamber to a single outlet orifice, the passageways merging such that fluid dispensed from each chamber duing use mixes within the outlet passageway prior to being dispensed through said outlet orifice.
  • the outlet passageway may be divided into two or more separate channels, each channel extending from a separate chamber, and each separate channel may feed fluid into a spray nozzle passageway as discussed above where it is mixed prior to ejection.
  • the chambers may be arranged side by side or one chamber may be on top of another.
  • the additional air chamber is positioned relative to the chamber of the nozzle device so that the compression of the air chamber causes the resiliently deformable portion of the body to deform and compress the chamber of the nozzle device.
  • the device may further comprise a third and/or a fourth chamber.
  • a third and/or a fourth chamber For instance, two chambers may dispense liquid and a third chamber may dispense air, or all chambers may dispense liquids.
  • the outlet of the nozzle device may be adapted to generate a spray of the fluid ejected from the chamber of the nozzle device.
  • the outlet of the nozzle device may be adapted to perform this function by any suitable means known in the art.
  • the outlet orifice of the outlet may be a fine hole configured such that fluid flowing through it under pressure is caused to break up into numerous droplets.
  • the outlet comprises an outlet orifice and an outlet passageway that connects the chamber to the outlet orifice.
  • the outlet valve is preferably disposed within the outlet passageway.
  • the outlet passageway comprises one or more internal spray-modifying features that are adapted to reduce the size of liquid droplets dispensed through the outlet orifice of the nozzle device during use.
  • internal spray modifying features that may be present in the outlet passageway include one or more expansion chambers, one or more swirl chambers, one or more internal spray orifices (adapted to generate a spray of fluid flowing through within the outlet passageway), and one or more venturi chambers.
  • the inclusion of one or more of the aforementioned features is known to affect the size of the spray droplets produced during use of the device. It is believed that these features, either alone or in combination, contribute to the atomisation of the droplets generated.
  • the outlet passageway and outlet orifice may be in the form of a separate unit or insert, which can be connected to the outlet of the chamber to form the outlet of the nozzle device.
  • the unit or insert may also be connected to the body of the device by a hinge so as to enable it to be optionally swung into the required position for use and swing out of position when it is not required.
  • the spray-modifying feature will be a an expansion chamber or a swirl chamber.
  • the liquid present in the chamber may be dispensed as a stream of liquid which is not broken up into droplets.
  • liquids dispensed in this form include soaps, shampoos, creams and the like.
  • the fluid dispensed may be a gas or mixture of gasses, such as air, for example.
  • the chambers of the nozzle device may be of any form and it shall of course be appreciated that the dimensions and shape of the chambers will be selected to suit the particular device and application concerned. Similarly, all the fluid in the chambers may be expelled when the chambers are compressed or, alternatively, only a proportion of the fluid present in the chambers may be dispensed, again depending on the application concerned.
  • the chambers will be defined by generally dome-shaped regions of the body, which are resiliently deformable.
  • the dome-shaped regions are formed on the upper surface of the body so that it is accessible for an operator to apply a pressure to cause these regions to resiliently deform.
  • dome-shaped chambers can be that a certain amount of dead space exists within the chamber when an operator compresses it, and for some applications it will be preferable that the dead space is minimised or virtually negligible.
  • flattened domes or other shaped chambers whereby the resiliently deformable portion of chamber can be depressed such that it contacts an opposing wall that defines the chamber and thereby expels all of the contents present therein are generally preferred.
  • a flattened dome is especially preferred because it reduces the extent with which the dome needs to be pressed inwards in order to compress the chamber and actuate the dispensing of fluid stored therein. It also reduces the number of presses required to prime the chamber ready for the first use.
  • the resiliently deformable portion of the body defining said chamber may not be sufficiently resilient to retain its original resiliently biased configuration following deformation. This may be the case where the fluid has a high viscosity and hence tends to resist being drawn into the chamber through the inlet. In such cases, extra resilience can be provided by the positioning of one or more resiliently deformable posts within the chamber, which bend when the chamber is compressed and urge the deformed portion of the body back to its original resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed. Alternatively, one or more thickened ribs of plastic could extend from the edge of the resiliently deformable area towards the middle of this portion.
  • These ribs will increase the resilience of the resiliently deformable area by effectively functioning as a leaf spring, which compresses when a pressure is applied to the resiliently deformable portion of the body, and urges this portion back to its initial resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed.
  • a spring or another form of resilient means is disposed in the chamber.
  • the spring will compress when the wall is deformed and, when the applied pressure is removed, will urge the deformed portion of the body to return to its original resiliently biased configuration and, in doing so, urges the compressed chamber back into its original “non-compressed configuration” .
  • the chambers defined by the body may be defined between two or more interconnected parts of the body. It is especially preferred that the chambers of the nozzle device is defined between two interconnected parts, which may be separately formed component parts that fit together to define the chamber or, more preferably, the two parts will be integrally formed with one another as a single component. In the latter case, it is preferred that the two parts are connected together by hinge or foldable connection element which enables the two parts to be moulded together in the same mould and then brought into contact with one another to define the chambers.
  • the outlet comprises the outlet valve, an outlet orifice and an outlet passageway that connects the chambers to the outlet orifice
  • the at least two interconnected parts that define the chambers also define at least a portion of the outlet passageway.
  • the two interconnected parts form the outlet valve between them and also define the entire outlet passageway and the outlet orifice.
  • the outlet passageway is preferably defined between an abutment surface of one of said parts and an opposing abutment surface of another of said parts.
  • One or more of the abutment surfaces preferably comprises one or more grooves and/or recesses formed thereon which define the outlet passageway when the abutment surfaces are contacted together.
  • each of said abutment surfaces comprises a groove and/or recesses formed thereon which align to define the outlet passageway when the abutment surfaces are contacted together.
  • the grooves and/or recesses preferably extend from the chamber to an opposing edge of the abutment surfaces where, when the abutment surfaces are contacted together, an outlet orifice is defmed at the end of the outlet passageway.
  • the features may be formed by aligning recesses or other formation formed on the abutment surfaces, as illustrated and described in International Patent Publication No. WO 01/89958.
  • the two parts of the body may be permanently fixed together by, for example, ultrasonically welding or heat welding. If the base and upper part are to be moulded or welded together, then it is preferable that they are made from compatible materials.
  • the two parts may be configured to fit tightly/resistively to one another to form the nozzle (e.g. by the provision of a snap-fit connection) in the absence of any welding.
  • the edges of one part may be configured to fit into a retaining groove of the other part to form the nozzle device.
  • a compatible plastic material may be moulded over the join of the two parts to secure them together. This can be achieved by moulding the two components simultaneously in a tool, joining them together in the tool to form the nozzle device and then moulding a suitable plastic material around them to hold the two parts together.
  • the two parts may remain releasably attached to one another so that they can be separated during use to enable the chamber and/or the outlet to be cleaned.
  • the two parts of the body of the nozzle device that define the chambers are a base part and an upper part.
  • the base part is preferably adapted to be fitted to the opening of a container by a suitable means, such as, for example, a screw thread or snap fit connection.
  • the base part also preferably defines the inlet as well as a portion of the outlet passageway leading from the chambers to the outlet orifice in preferred embodiments.
  • the upper part is adapted to be fitted to the base so that between them they define the chambers and, in preferred embodiments, the outlet valve, outlet passageway and/or outlet orifice. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the base and upper part also define the outlet orifice. It is also preferred that the upper part forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body defining the chambers.
  • the upper part comprises the first portion of the body and the base comprises the second portion of the body defined above.
  • the body of the nozzle arrangement may be made from any suitable material.
  • the two parts may be made from either the same or different materials.
  • one of the parts may be made from a flexible/resiliently deformable material, such as a resiliently deformable plastic or rubber material, and the other of said parts may be made from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic.
  • a flexible/resiliently deformable material forms the second portion of the body defining the chambers and can readily be deformed by an operator pressing the actuator surface to actuate the ejection of fluid present in the chambers.
  • the flexible material can also provide a soft touch feel for the operator.
  • Such embodiments can be made by either moulding the two parts separately and then connecting them together to form the assembled nozzle arrangement or moulding the two parts in the same tool using a bi-injection moulding process.
  • the two parts could be moulded simultaneously and then fitted together within the moulding tool or, alternatively, one part could be moulded first from a first material and the second part made from a second material could be moulded directly onto the first part.
  • the two parts may both be made from either a rigid or a flexible material.
  • the rigid and flexible material may be any suitable material from which the nozzle device may be formed.
  • it may be formed from metallic material such as aluminium foil or a flexible material such as rubber.
  • the body of the device is formed entirely from a rigid plastic material, although a flexible plastic material could be used provided the first portion of the body is if desired.
  • the first portion of the body is formed from a rigid plastic material.
  • the entire pump-action nozzle device i.e. the body and the actuator
  • the entire pump-action nozzle device is formed from a single rigid plastic material.
  • rigid plastic material is used herein to refer to a plastic material that possesses a high degree of rigidity and strength once moulded into the desired form, but which can also be rendered more flexible or resiliently deformable in portions by reducing the thickness of the plastic.
  • a thinned section of plastic can be provided to form the at least a portion of the body that defines the chamber and which is configured to resiliently deform.
  • flexible plastic is used herein to denote plastics materials which are inherently flexible/resiliently deformable so as to enable the resilient displacement of at least a portion of the body to facilitate the compression of the chamber.
  • the extent of the flexibility of the plastic may be dependent on the thickness of the plastic in any given area or region.
  • Such “flexible plastic” materials are used, for example, in the preparation of shampoo bottles or shower gel containers.
  • portions of the body may be formed from thicker sections of plastic to provide the required rigidity to the structure, whereas other portions may be composed of thinner sections of plastic to provide the necessary deformability characteristics.
  • a framework of thicker sections generally known as support ribs, may be present if extra rigidity is required in certain areas.
  • the advantage of using a single material for the formation of the nozzle device is that the entire nozzle device can be moulded in a single moulding tool in a single moulding operation, as discussed further below.
  • the formation of the nozzle device from a single material avoids the requirement for the assembly of multiple, separate component parts.
  • forming the nozzle device from a single material provides the possibility of possibility of welding the two parts together (e.g. by heat or ultrasonic welding) or, if the plastic material is a rigid plastic material, then a snap-fit connection can be formed between the upper part and the base. The latter option also enables the upper part and base to be disconnected periodically for cleaning.
  • the nozzle device would need to be made from a rigid material to provide the necessary strength for the actuator surface and enable the two-parts to be either snap fitted or welded together.
  • the deformable portion of the body tends to deform only when a certain minimum threshold pressure is applied and this makes the pump action more like the on/off action associated conventional pump-action nozzle devices.
  • a flexible material may be preferred.
  • the second portion of the body configured to resiliently deform could be a relatively thin section of a rigid plastic material which elastically deforms to compress the chamber when a pressure is applied and then subsequently returns to its initial resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed.
  • the abutment surfaces that define the outlet passageway of the outlet are formed from a rigid plastic material.
  • flexible/resiliently deformable materials could be used for this purpose they are generally less preferred because any spray-modifying features present will typically need to be precisely formed from a rigid material.
  • one of the two parts that defines the outlet and the chamber may be formed from two materials, namely a rigid material that forms the abutment surface that defines the outlet passageway and the outlet orifice, and a resiliently deformable material that defines the chamber.
  • both chambers comprise a one way outlet valve, but in some instances the outlet valve for the second chamber may be a two way valve (e.g. if the second chamber is an air chamber—to permit air to be drawn into the second chamber), as discussed above.
  • valves enable fluid stored in each chamber to be dispensed through the outlet only when a predetermined minimum threshold pressure is achieved within the chamber (as a consequence of the reduction in the volume of the internal chambers caused by the displacement of the resiliently deformable portion of the body from its initial resiliently biased configuration), and close the outlets at all other times.
  • the closure of the valve when the pressure in the chambers is below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure prevents air being sucked back through the outlet into the chamber when the applied pressure to the resiliently deformable portion of the body is released and the volume of the chamber increases as the resiliently deformable wall re-assumes its initial resiliently biased configuration.
  • valves are formed by the component parts of the body of the nozzle device. Most preferably, the valves are formed between the abutment surfaces that define outlet passageway.
  • the outlet valves are formed by one of the abutment surfaces defining the outlet passageway being resiliently biased against the opposing abutment surface to close off a portion of the length of the outlet passageway.
  • the valves will only open to permit fluid to be dispensed from the chambers when the pressure within each chamber is sufficient to cause the resiliently biased abutment surface to deform away from the opposing abutment surface and thereby form an open channel through which fluid from each chamber can flow. Once the pressure falls below a predetermined minimum threshold value, the resiliently biased surface will return to its resiliently biased configuration and close off the passageway.
  • the resiliently biased abutment surface is integrally formed with the resiliently deformable portion of the body, which defines the chamber.
  • the resistance provided by the resiliently biased surface may not be sufficiently resilient to achieve the required minimum pressure threshold for the optimal funtioning of the device.
  • a thickened rib of plastic which extends across the passageway, may be formed to provide the necessary strength and resistance in the outlet passageway/valves.
  • a rigid reinforcing rib could be provided above part of the outlet passageway/valves.
  • one or more of the outlet valves may be formed by a resiliently deformable member formed on one of said abutment surfaces which extends across the outlet passageway to close off and seal the passageway.
  • the member is mounted to the device along one of its edges and has another of its edges (preferably the opposing edge) free, the free end being configured to displace when the pressure within the chamber(s) exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold value.
  • the free end abuts a surface of the outlet channel to form a seal therewith when the pressure is below the predetermined minimum threshold value.
  • the free end of the member is displaced from the abutment surface of the channel to form an opening through which the fluid present in the chamber(s) can flow to the outlet.
  • the resiliently deformable member is positioned within a chamber formed along the length of the outlet channel or passageway.
  • the abutment surface which forms the seal with the free end of the member at pressures below the minimum threshold, is tapered or sloped at the point of contact with the free end of the member. This provides a point seal contact and provides a much more efficient seal.
  • the slope or taper of the abutment surface must be arranged so that the free end of the resiliently deformable member contacts the slope when the pressure within the chamber is below the predetermined minimum threshold, but distends away from it when the predetermined minimum threshold is exceeded.
  • the valve may be a post or plug formed on the abutment surface of one of the base or upper parts and which contacts the opposing abutment surface to close off and seal the passageway.
  • the post or plug will be mounted to a deformable area of the base or upper part so that when the pressure within the chamber(s) exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the post or plug can be deformed to define an opening through which fluid can flow through the outlet.
  • the predetermined minimum pressure that must be achieved within the chamber(s) in order to open the outlet valve will depend on the application concerned.
  • a person skilled in the art will appreciate how to modify the properties of the resiliently deformable surface by, for example, the selection of an appropriate resiliently deformable material or varying the manner in which the surface is fabricated (e.g. by the inclusion of strengthening ridges).
  • the inlet valve may be adapted to only open and permit fluid to flow into the chamber when the pressure within the chamber falls below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure (as is the case when the pressure applied to the resiliently deformable portion of the chamber to compress the chamber is released and the volume of the chamber increases as the resiliently deformable portion reassumes it's initial resiliently biased configuration).
  • the inlet valve may be a flap valve which consists of a resiliently deformable flap positioned over the inlet opening. The flap is preferably resiliently biased against the inlet opening and adapted to deform so as to allow fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure.
  • the inlet will be closed, thereby preventing fluid flowing back from the chamber into the inlet.
  • the resiliently deformable flap is formed as an integral extension of the resiliently deformable portion of the body which defines the chamber.
  • the base defines the inlet and the resiliently deformable portion of the body is formed by the upper part. It is therefore the preferred that the upper part comprises the resiliently deformable flap that extends within said chamber to cover the inlet opening to the chamber and form the inlet valve.
  • the flap may not be resiliently biased against the inlet opening and may instead be disposed over the inlet opening and configured such that it is pressed against the inlet only when the chamber is compressed and the pressure therein increases.
  • flap valve comprises a number of adaptations.
  • the inlet has a raised lip extending around the inlet orifice that the resiliently deformable flap abuts to create a tight seal around the inlet.
  • the provision of a lip ensures a good contact is obtained with the flap.
  • the lip is very small it may be necessary to provide one or more additional support ribs at either side of the inlet opening to ensure that a proper seal is formed and to also prevent the lip from damage.
  • a further preferred feature is that the flap possesses a protrusion or plug formed on its surface.
  • the protrusion or plug extends a short way into the inlet opening and abuts the side edges to further enhance the seal formed.
  • the inlet opening to the chamber is disposed at an elevated position within the chamber so that fluid flows into the chamber through the inlet and drops down into a holding or reservoir area. This prevents fluid resting on the top of the inlet valve over prolonged periods by effectively distancing the inlet opening from the main fluid holding/reservoir area of the chamber and thereby reduces the likelihood of any leaks occurring over time.
  • a second reinforcing flap or member contacts the opposing surface of the resiliently deformable flap to urge it into tight abutment with the inlet opening. It is also preferred that the second reinforcing flap contact the opposing surface of the resiliently deformable flap at or close to the portion of the opposing surface that covers the inlet orifice to maximise the vertical pressure of the main flap over the hole. Again this helps to maintain the integrity of the seal.
  • the nozzle device may also be provided with a locking means to prevent the fluid being dispensed accidentally.
  • the lock will be integral part of the body and will not be a separate component connected to the body.
  • the locking means may be hinged bar or member that is integrally connected to a part of the body (e.g. either the base or upper part) and which can be swung into a position whereby the bar or member prevents the outlet valves from opening.
  • the locking means may also comprise a rigid cover that can be placed over the resiliently deformable portion of the body (i.e. between the actuator member and the resiliently deformable portion) to prevent it being compressed.
  • the cover may be connected to the nozzle device by a hinge to enable it to be folded over when required.
  • the locking means may the provision of locking detents which engage to prevent the actuator member sliding when the over cap is twisted, thereby preventing the accidental actuation of the device.
  • the locking means may be one or more locking tabs which can be selectively positioned between the body of the device and the actuator member to prevent the actuator being depressed or, in the case of trigger actuators, pulled.
  • the tabs must be removed from engagement with the trigger and/or body of the device to enable the device to be used. For example, the tabs may need to be pressed inward to release the locling tabs.
  • it could also be modified so that it is necessary to initially push the trigger away from the device in order to release the lock.
  • the device may further comprise an air leak through which air can flow to equalise any pressure differential between the interior of the container and the external environment.
  • the air leak may simply occur through gaps in the fitting between the dispenser nozzle and the container, but this is not preferred because leakage may occur if the container is inverted or shaken.
  • the dispenser nozzle further comprises an air leak valve, i.e. a one-way valve that is adapted to permit air to flow into the container, but prevents any fluid leaking out of the container if it is inverted. Any suitable one-way valve system would suffice. It is preferred, however, that the air leak valve is integrally formed within the body of the dispenser or, more preferably, between two component parts of the body of the dispenser.
  • the air leak valve is formed between the upper part and base which define the chamber of the dispenser nozzle.
  • the air leak valve comprises a valve member disposed within a channel that is defined by the body of the device and connects the interior of the fluid supply to the external environment.
  • the valve member is resiliently biased so as to contact the sides of the channel and forms a sealing engagement therewith to prevent any liquid from leaking out of the container, the valve member being further adapted to either resiliently deform or displace from the sealing engagement with the sides of the channel to define an opening through which air can flow into the container when pressure within the container falls below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount. Once the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the container has been reduced to below the minimum threshold pressure, the valve member returns to it position in which the channel is closed.
  • the valve member is in the form of a plunger that extends into the channel and comprises an outwardly extending wall that abuts the sides of the channel to form a seal.
  • the outwardly extending wall is additionally angled towards the interior of the container. This configuration means that a high pressure within the container and exerted on the wall of the valve member will cause the wall to remain in abutment with the sides of the channel. Thus, the integrity of the seal is maintained thereby preventing liquid from leaking out through the valve.
  • pressure within the container falls below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount, the wall is deflected away from the sides of the container to permit air to flow into the container to equalise or reduce the pressure differential.
  • the plunger is mounted on to a deformable base or flap which is capable of some movement when the dome is pressed to displace any residue that may have accumulated in the air leak valve.
  • a moveable element within the air leak valve is preferred because it helps to prevent the valve becoming clogged during use.
  • a protective cover is provided over the opening of the female tube on the internal surface of the device to prevent liquid present in the interior of the container from contacting the valve member with a high or excessive force when the container is inverted or shaken aggressively.
  • the cover will allow air and some fluid to flow past, but will prevent fluid impacting on the seal formed by the flared end of the plunger directly, and thus will prevent the seal being exposed to excessive forces.
  • the channel of the air leak valve may be resiliently deformable instead of the male part. This arrangement can be configured so that the side walls of the channel distort to permit air to flow into the container.
  • valve member and channel could be made from the same material or different materials. For instance, they may both be made from a semi-flexible plastic or the female element may be made from a rigid plastic and the male part made from a resiliently deformable material.
  • the air leak valve described above can be modified to additionally perform this function by providing one or more fine grooves in the side of the channel. These fine groove(s) will permit gas to slowly seep out of the container, by-passing the seal formed by the contact of the valve member with the sides of the channel, but prevent or minimise the volume of liquid that may seep out.
  • the groove or grooves formed in the side walls of the channel is/are formed on the external side of the point of contact between the valve member and the sides of the channel so that it/they are only exposed when the pressure inside the container increases and acts on the plunger to cause it to deform outwards (relative to the container).
  • the plunger will return to its resiliently biased position in which the grooves are not exposed once any excess gas has been emitted. No liquid product should be lost during this process.
  • the gas pressure within the container could urge the valve member outwards so that it is displaced from the channel and defines an opening through which the gas could flow.
  • a seal is disposed at the join between the at least two interconnected parts to prevent any fluid leaking out of the nozzle device.
  • the two parts could be welded to one another or one part could be configured to snap fit into a sealing engagement with the other part or have possess a flange around its perimeter that fits tightly around the upper surface of the other part to form a seal therewith.
  • the seal comprises a male protrusion formed on the abutment surface of one of the at least two parts that is received in a sealing engagement with a corresponding groove formed on the opposing abutment surface of the other part when the two parts are connected together.
  • the seal preferably extends around the entire chamber and the sides of the outlet passageway so that fluid leaking from any position within the chamber and or outlet passageway is prevented from seeping between the join between the two component parts.
  • the seal extends around the entire chamber and any portion of the outlet that is defined between the two interconnected parts of the body.
  • the protrusion member may extend across the passageway and form the resiliently deformable valve member of the outlet valve. This portion of the protrusion will usually be thinner to provide the necessary resilience in the valve member to permit it to perform its function.
  • the male protrusion may be configured to snap fit into the groove or, alternatively, the male protrusion may be configured to resistively fit into the groove in a similar manner to the way in which a plug fits into the hole of a sink.
  • a dip tube will be integrally formed with the nozzle, or alternatively the body of the dispenser may comprise a recess into which a separate dip tube can be fitted.
  • the dip tube enables fluid to be drawn from deep inside the container during use and thus, will be present in virtually all cases.
  • the second chamber additionally comprises an inlet through which fluid is drawn from a fluid source
  • two dip tubes will usually be present.
  • the device may further comprise a fluid compartment formed as an integral part of device from which fluid can be drawn directly into the inlet of the nozzle without the need for a dip tube.
  • the nozzle device is adapted to be fitted to container by some suitable means, e.g. a snap fit or a screw thread connection.
  • the nozzle device could be incorporated into a container as an integral part.
  • the nozzle device could be integrally moulded with various forms of plastic container, such as rigid containers or bags. This is possible because the device can be moulded as a single material and, therefore, can be integrally moulded with containers made from the same or a similar compatible material.
  • a container having a pump-action nozzle device as hereinbefore defined fitted to an opening thereof so as to enable the fluid stored in the container to be dispensed from the container through said nozzle device during use.
  • a container having a pump-action nozzle device as hereinbefore defined integrally formed therewith so as to enable the fluid stored in the container to be dispensed from the container through said nozzle device during use.
  • a pump-action nozzle device adapted to enable fluid stored in a fluid source to be dispensed through said nozzle during use, said nozzle having a body which defines a first chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the fluid source by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at least a minimum threshold amount, and a second chamber which comprises at least an outlet and an outlet valve, wherein at least a portion of the body which defines said first and second chambers is configured to:
  • said nozzle device further comprises an actuator member which extends over at least a portion of said portion of the body and which is configured such that the application of a pressure to said actuator causes the actuator member to engage said portion of the body and cause it to deform from its initial resiliently biased configuration to compress said first and second chambers.
  • the nozzle device is as defined above.
  • the part of the body that can be displaced inwards to reduce the volume of the chamber and thereby cause fluid present in said chamber to be ejected through the outlet is a piston mounted within a piston channel.
  • the piston channel may form the entire chamber or, alternatively, just a portion thereof
  • the nozzle device comprises a means for displacing the piston inwards from its initial position and then subsequently returing it is initial position.
  • a means for displacing the piston inwards from its initial position and then subsequently returing it is initial position may be achieved by any suitable means, such as, for example, a trigger or over cap connected to the piston, which can be operated to displace the piston, when desired.
  • the trigger actuator is resiliently biased to retain said portion of the body in its initial position in the absence of any applied pressure.
  • nozzle devices of the present invention may be made by any suitable methodology know in the art.
  • preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a body having two parts (a base and upper part) which fit together to define at least the chamber of the device and, more preferably, the chamber and at least a portion of the outlet.
  • the device further comprises an actuator member.
  • a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined said nozzle device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and comprising an actuator member, said method comprising the steps of:
  • the first and second parts of the body and the actuator member may be separate component parts, in which case the component parts are initially formed and then assembled together to form the nozzle device.
  • Each component part may be made from the same or a different material.
  • the two parts of the body or one of the parts of the body and the actuator member may be integrally formed with one another and connected by a bendable/foldable connection element.
  • the connected parts are formed in a single moulding step and then assembled together with the remaining part to form the nozzle device.
  • the base and upper part of the preferred embodiments of the device may be integrally formed and connected to one another by a foldable/bendable connection element. Once formed, the upper part can be folded over and connected to the base to form the assembled nozzle device.
  • the actuator member may then be fitted to the body of the nozzle device as a separate component.
  • the device is formed from a single component part, which comprises the two parts of the body and the actuator member, all integrally formed with one another and connected to one another by foldable/bendable connection elements.
  • the entire device is formed in a single moulding step from a single material. Once formed, the two parts forming the chamber of the device can be connected together and the actuator member can then be connected into a position whereby it extends across the resiliently deformable portion of the body.
  • integrally formed component parts are preferably formed from the same material in single moulding step.
  • the nozzle device may be formed by a bi-injection moulding process whereby a first component part the body is formed together with a base or framework for the second part and the remainder of the second part is then moulded onto the base or framework. Each part may be moulded from the same or a different material.
  • the actuator member may be a separate component part that is then fitted to the body of the nozzle device, or it may be integrally formed with one of the parts of the body.
  • the two parts of the body are connected to one another to form the assembled body of the device, the two parts may be over moulded with another plastic to hold the two parts together
  • a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined said nozzle device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and further comprising an actuator member, said method comprising the steps of:
  • the at least two parts are preferably moulded within the same moulding tool in a bi-injection moulding process.
  • first part will be the base part of the nozzle device and the second part will be the upper part.
  • a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined said nozzle device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and further comprising an actuator member, said method comprising the steps of:
  • the framework for the second part may be fitted to the base prior to the over-moulding step.
  • the over-moulding may take place before the framework for the second part is fitted to the first part.
  • the over-moulding may be the same material to that of the first part and the framework of the second part or it may be a different material.
  • the base is moulded first from a rigid plastic material together with the framework support for the upper part.
  • the framework for the upper part is preferably connected to the base by a hinged or foldable connection member, which enables the framework to be folded over and fitted to the base during the assembly of the final product.
  • the framework is over moulded with a compatible flexible, resiliently deformable plastic material which forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body that defines the chamber.
  • the resiliently deformable plastic material may also form resiliently deformable valve members for the outlet valve and the inlet valve. It may also extend over other parts of the nozzle surface to provide a soft-touch feel to the device when an operator grips it.
  • the rigid framework of the upper part may form an outer edge of the upper part, which forms the point of connection with the base and, in embodiments where a spray nozzle passageway is present, the framework may also form an upper abutment surface which contacts a lower abutment surface formed the base to define the spray passageway and outlet orifice.
  • a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined said nozzle device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and further comprising an actuator member, said method comprising the steps of:
  • a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined said nozzle device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and an actuator member, wherein said parts and said actuator member are connected to one another by a connection element such that said parts are moveable relative to one another, said method comprising the steps of:
  • a blowing agent is incorporated into the mould together with the plastic material.
  • the blowing agent produces bubbles of gas within the moulded plastic that prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon known as sinkage from occurring.
  • sinkage a phenomenon known as sinkage from occurring.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a nozzle device according to the third aspect of the invention in a dissembled configuration
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B show perspective views of an alternative nozzle device according to the invention
  • FIGS. 2C, 2D and 2 E all show perspective views of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B with the constituent parts separated to show the internal features;
  • FIGS. 2F and 2G show magnified views of portions of the nozzle arrangement shown in FIG. 2C ;
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B show cross-sectional views of a further embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 4A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 4B shows a side elevation view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A ;
  • FIGS. 4C and 4D show cross-sectional views of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B .
  • FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a nozzle device of the present invention.
  • the device which is adapted to dispense fluids in the form of a spray, comprises a body 100 formed of two parts, namely a base part 101 and an upper part 102 .
  • the base 101 and upper part 102 are connected to one another by a foldable connection element 103 .
  • Also attached to the base 101 by a further foldable connection element 103 a is a trigger actuator 400 .
  • the base 101 is adapted to be fitted to a container (not shown) to permit fluid stored in said container to be drawn to, and dispensed from, said device during use.
  • the base 101 , upper part 102 , trigger actuator 400 and connection elements 103 and 103 a are integrally formed together in the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 from a single rigid plastic material in a single moulding operation. Thus, the entire device is formed by a single, integrally formed component part.
  • the upper part 102 will be folded over about the connection element 103 and fitted to the upper surface of the base 101 to form the body of the device and the trigger actuator will then be folded over about the connection element 103 a so that the engagement portion 402 extends across the upper surface of the body of the device and the handle 401 extends downwards at the front of the device.
  • the portion 102 a of the under surface of the upper part 102 abuts the abutment portion/surface 101 a of the upper surface of the base 101 .
  • the recessed portions 101 b and 101 c of the upper surface of the base 101 are aligned with corresponding recessed portions 102 b and 102 c respectively, that formed in the under surface of the upper part 102 to define two separate internal chambers.
  • Each chamber comprises an inlet orifice 104 a and 104 b formed in the base.
  • Each inlet orifice is disposed within a respective recess 105 a and 105 b , as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the resiliently deformable flaps 106 a and 106 b are received within the recesses 105 a and 105 b respectively.
  • the flaps 106 a and 106 b are resiliently biased against the openings of the inlet orifices 104 a and 104 b respectively to form inlet valves.
  • fluid is only drawn into the two chambers when the pressures within the inlet orifice exceeds the pressure within the chamber such that said flaps are displaced away from the openings of the inlet orifices 104 a and 104 b to permit fluid to flow into chambers.
  • Bach inlet orifice 104 a and 104 b will be connected to different fluid supplies, such as separate compartments within the container to which the device is attached.
  • one of the chambers may draw air (or any other form of gas) from the container or the external environment. In the latter case, an air inlet could simply be formed within the body of the device to permit air to be drawn in form the external environment.
  • the outlet comprises an outlet passageway and outlet orifice defined by the abutment surfaces 101 a and 102 a when they are contacted together.
  • the passageway is formed by the alignment of grooves 106 , 107 and 108 with grooves 109 , 110 and 111 respectively, and chambers formed within the outlet passageway are formed by the alignment of recesses 112 and 113 with recesses 114 and 115 respectively.
  • fluid dispensed from the chamber formed by recesses 101 b / 102 b during use travels through the chamber formed by the alignment of recesses 112 / 114 and then into the chamber formed by the alignment of recesses 113 / 115 before being ejected through the outlet orifice.
  • Fluid dispensed from the chamber formed by recesses 101 c / 102 c during use travels through to the chamber formed by the alignment of recesses 113 / 115 , where it mixes with the fluid dispensed from the other chamber prior to ejection through the outlet orifice.
  • the provision of the chambers formed within the passageway has been found to contribute to the break up of liquid droplets dispensed from the nozzle device, thereby enabling a fine spray to be produced.
  • the outlet passageway leading from each chamber will also comprise an outlet valve (not shown) positioned up stream from the chambers so that fluid will only be ejected when the pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold value.
  • the valve can be formed by the provision of a resiliently deformable flap or other member in the outlet passageway, which can deform from an initial resiliently-biased position in which the passageway is closed to define an opening through which fluid can flow when the pressure within the chamber is at or exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
  • the trigger actuator comprises a handle 401 and an engagement portion.
  • the engagement portion extends across the upper surface of the body and protrusions 403 and 404 formed on the under surface of the engagement portion align with the generally dome-shaped protrusions formed on the upper surface of the body by the portions 102 b and 102 c of the upper part 102 .
  • the trigger actuator is therefore pivotally mounted to the body of the device such that when an operator pulls the downwardly extending handle towards the body of the device, the engagement portion pivots and the protrusions 403 and 404 cause the portions 102 b and 102 c of the upper part to resiliently deform towards portions 101 b and 101 c of the base respectively.
  • the chambers defined by these portions will be compressed thereby causing fluid present therein to be dispensed from the device.
  • the aperture 406 formed in the handle 401 of the device aligns with the outlet so that the fluid ejected from the outlet of the device accesses the external environment.
  • the device would also preferably comprise sealing means to ensure that the upper part and base are tightly bound together.
  • a plastic can be moulded over the join to create a suitably tight seal.
  • one of the parts may be provided with a ridge protrusion, which encircles the recesses and the sides of the grooves/recesses that define the outlet passageway, and which forms a sealing engagement with a correspondingly shaped groove formed on the opposing abutment surface.
  • the ridge protrusion and corresponding groove will fit tightly together to assist in holding the base 101 and the upper part 102 in tight abutment with one another.
  • the ridge and groove also form a seal that prevents any fluid leaking out of the chambers or outlet passageways and seeping between the upper part 102 and the base 101 .
  • the air leak valve may be a post or flap positioned within a hole which can resiliently deform to open the passageway when a pressure differential exists, thereby allowing air to flow into the container from the external environment.
  • one chamber for instance the chamber formed by the alignment of recesses 101 c / 102 c , contains air
  • the compression of the chambers together causes the air stream ejected from this chamber to mix with a liquid dispensed from the other chamber. This mixing will break up the droplets of liquid and assist in the formation of a fine spray when the liquid is dispensed through the outlet.
  • FIGS. 2A to 2 G show an alternative embodiment of the invention adapted to dispense two liquids simultaneously in the form of a spray.
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B both show perspective view of this embodiment.
  • the body of the device 100 comprises a base 101 and an upper part 102 (not visible in FIGS. 2A and 2B ).
  • Fitted to the body of the device is a trigger actuator 400 .
  • the trigger actuator 400 is essentially the same as that shown in FIG. 1 , except that the trigger additionally comprises a double aperture 406 to permit two fluids to be dispensed separately through two separate outlets 250 and 251 .
  • locking tabs 410 can be selectively disposed between the trigger handle 401 and the base 101 to prevent the accidental actuation of the device. To release the lock, tabs 410 can be pushed inwards so that the trigger can slide past them when it is pulled.
  • the engagement portion 402 is divided into two segments 402 a and 402 b .
  • Segment 402 a is the portion that engages the resiliently deformable portions 102 b and 102 c of the upper part 102 , as previously described, whereas segment 402 b is configured to engage the rear recess 270 of the body.
  • Protrusions 271 - 273 assist with the alignment and securing of the portion within the recess 270 , and hence, the securing of the trigger actuator to the base 101 .
  • the segments 402 a and 402 b are connected by a rigid beam 409 which forms the pivot point when the trigger handle is pulled.
  • segment 402 a pivots relative to the segment 402 b when the trigger is pulled because there is nothing between 404 and 409 to stop to prevent this area deforming.
  • the actuator pivots about this join when the trigger is pulled.
  • FIGS. 2C and 2D The parts of the body that form the nozzle device are shown in a dissembled configuration in FIGS. 2C and 2D .
  • the internal structure shares many similarities with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 (as shown by the like reference numerals), but there are some differences.
  • the upper part 102 is connected to the base 101 at the front, rather than at the side, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the upper part 102 is therefore simply flipped over by bending/folding the connection element 103 and fitting it to the base 101 to form the assembled nozzle device.
  • the embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D is also configured to dispense two liquids separately so that they only mix outside of the nozzle device by the merging of the two separate sprays, which is desirable for certain applications.
  • the outlet passageways could be configured to merge in a similar manner to the outlet passageways of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
  • each chamber comprises a separate outlet passageway formed by the alignment of grooves and/or recesses 203 - 211 formed on the abutment surfaces 101 a of the base with corresponding grooves and/or recesses 203 a - 211 a , as shown in FIG. 2G .
  • each outlet comprises an outlet orifice and an outlet passageway which comprises four chambers formed by the alignment of recesses 203 / 203 a , 205 / 205 a , 207 / 207 a and 209 / 209 a .
  • the latter chamber is a swirl chamber formed by the alignment of semi-circular recesses 209 and 209 a .
  • FIG. 2 also comprises two air release valves.
  • the air release valves are formed by valve members 215 and 216 formed on the under surface of the upper part 102 being received within openings 217 and 218 respectively formed on the abutment surface 101 a of the base when the nozzle arrangement is assembled.
  • the openings 217 and 218 both define passageways through which air may flow into the container from the outside in the assembled nozzle arrangement.
  • the tip of the resiliently deformable member is provided with a flared rim (see FIG. 2G ), the edges of which abut the internal walls of the opening to form an airtight seal.
  • the pressure differential between the interior of the container and the external environment causes the flared rim of the member to deform inwards, thereby permitting air to flow into the container from the external environment.
  • the flared rim returns to its initial resiliently biased configuration to prevent any further air flow through the opening. It shall also be appreciated that if the container is inverted, the product cannot leak past the rim of the resiliently deformable member and any pressure that is applied, by squeezing the container for example, simply pushes the flared rim into tighter abutment with the walls of the opening.
  • the air leak valve may be a post or flap positioned within a hole which can resiliently deform to open the passageway when a pressure differential exists, thereby allowing air to flow into the container from the external environment.
  • the resiliently deformable upper part 102 could comprise a fine slit above an opening similar to openings 217 and 218 . This slit could be configured to open when a pressure differential exists.
  • valve member may be a post or plug formed on the upper part 102 which blocks an opening formed in the base and is only displaced when the upper part is pressed downwards to actuate the dispensing of the fluid present in the chamber.
  • the upper part comprises ridge protrusions 219 which encircle each recess ( 102 b and 102 c ) and extend either side of the grooves/recesses 203 a - 211 a that define each outlet passageway.
  • These protrusions are received in a sealing engagement with corresponding grooves 220 formed on the upper surface of the base 101 when the upper part and base are fitted together.
  • the seal formed prevents any fluid leaking from the chamber or the outlet passageway from seeping between the join between the upper part 102 and the base 101 .
  • the ridge protrusion also extends across the outlet passageway to form outlet valve members 230 and 231 . This portion of the protrusion can form a flap valve which can deform to permit fluid to flow along the each passageway only when a predetermined minimum threshold pressure is achieved within each chamber. At all other times the valve member closes off the passageway.
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B show a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the body of the nozzle device comprises a base 101 and upper part 102 .
  • the base and upper part define an internal chamber 303 with an outlet orifice 304 and inlet 305 .
  • the outlet orifice is connected to the chamber by an outlet passageway 306 .
  • the outlet also comprises an outlet valve formed by portion 230 of the ridge protrusion 219 and an outlet valve is formed by resiliently deformable flap 106 a extending over the inlet opening 104 a.
  • An alternative actuator member in the form of an over cap 301 is slidably mounted to the body of the device.
  • the over cap 301 shown in FIG. 3A is fitted over the upper part 102 of the nozzle arrangement and is configured to be displaced downwards from the upper position shown in FIG. 3A in response to the application of a pressure such that the protrusion 302 formed on the under surface of the top section of the over cap 301 engages and deforms the resiliently deformable portion 102 b of the upper part 102 , thereby compressing the chamber 303 and causing the pressure therein to increase.
  • the valve member 230 will deform to permit fluid present in the chamber to flow through the outlet passageway and be ejected through the outlet orifice 304 .
  • An aperture 307 formed in the over cap 301 aligns with the outlet 304 when the over cap is depressed so that fluid dispensed through the outlet orifice is ejected into the external environment.
  • the over cap 301 can then be slid back to its initial position, either by the operator lifting the cap or by a resilient means which urges the cap upwards once any downward pressure is removed.
  • An annular lip 308 abuts the annular rib 309 formed on the base 101 to limit the upward movement of the over cap 301 .
  • the cap 301 may also be twisted so that the lip is further engaged by locking detents which prevent any downward movement, thereby locking the over cap 301 to prevent the accidental actuation of the nozzle device.
  • the over cap 301 also defines a second chamber, which, in this embodiment, is an air chamber 310 .
  • Depressing the over cap downwards causes the air chamber 310 to compress and a stream of air to be ejected through the air chamber outlet 311 , where the air stream mixes with the liquid dispensed from the chamber 303 in the outlet passageway 306 .
  • air may be drawn back into the air chamber 310 through the outlet orifice 304 and air chamber outlet 311 .
  • a two way valve (not shown) may be provided in the air chamber outlet 310 .
  • the air chamber outlet 311 may be provided with a one way outlet valve 312 , as shown in FIG. 3B .
  • a one way outlet valve 312 When the pressure within the air chamber 310 exceeds a predetermined threshold value the arms of the valve member 312 will deform apart from one another to define an opening through which the air can flow into the outlet passageway 306 . In this case, air will not be able to flow back into the air chamber through the valve 312 so a separate air inlet must be provided.
  • Such an inlet will comprise a one way inlet valve adapted to permit air to flow through the air inlet when the pressure within the chamber 310 falls below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount.
  • a separate air plunger may be provided within the air chamber 310 to compress the chamber when the over cap is displaced.
  • FIGS. 4A-4D A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4A-4D .
  • the embodiment shown in these Figures is a nozzle device configured to dispense fluids in the form of a spray.
  • this embodiment of the invention is composed of three parts, namely a base 101 , an upper part 102 and an actuator member in the form of an over cap or pan handle 501 . All three parts can be integrally formed as a single component, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , and subsequently assembled to form the functional device, as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D .
  • the over cap 501 could be a separate component part.
  • the upper part 102 fits onto the upper surface of the base 101 to define an internal chamber 303 , as previously described.
  • fluid is drawn into the chamber 303 through the inlet 305 when the chamber expands, and is expelled through the outlet 304 when the chamber is compressed.
  • the fluid in the chamber must firstly reach a pressure that is sufficient to displace the valve member 230 from the valve seat 502 so that fluid can flow along the outlet passageway defined between the upper part 102 and the base 101 .
  • Various spray modifying features shown by chambers 504 , 505 and 506 are formed in the passageway. These chambers have been found to break up the liquid flowing through the outlet passageway during use.
  • the over cap or pan handle 501 is fitted over the upper part 102 to define an air chamber 310 there between.
  • the over cap is pivotally mounted to the upper part 102 about the connection element 525 .
  • the over cap 301 is also rigid so that it provides a firm surface for an operator to press.
  • Pressing the over cap 501 downwards in the direction of arrow 510 causes the over cap to be urged towards the upper surface of the upper part 102 , thereby causing the upper part 102 to pivot about said pivot 525 and the side wall 511 of the chamber 310 formed by the upper part 102 to resiliently deform, as shown in FIG. 4D .
  • This movement compresses the air chamber 310 thereby causing air to be expelled into the chamber 504 through the outlet channel 512 .
  • the protrusion 302 engages portion 102 b of the upper part 102 and causes it to distend inwards, thereby comprising the chamber 303 to cause fluid therein to be ejected.
  • the fluid ejected from chamber 303 mixes with the air stream ejected from the air chamber 310 in the chamber 504 , which results in the further break up of the droplets of liquid ultimately dispensed through the outlet 304 .
  • the over cap 301 is urged away from the upper part 102 as the side wall 511 deforms back to its initial resiliently biased configuration, as shown in FIG. 4C . This increases the volume of both of the chambers 303 and 310 , and thereby causes the pressure therein to reduce.
  • This reduction in pressure results in more fluid being drawn into the chamber 303 through the inlet 104 and more air to be drawn into the air chamber 310 , either through the outlet 304 and passageway 512 , or through a separate one-way air inlet valve (not shown).
  • a pre-compression valve (not shown) is provided in the outlet channel to ensure an air stream is only ejected from the chamber 310 when the pressure therein exceeds a predetermined minimum valve,
  • This valve can be configured to open at the same time as the valve formed by the valve member 230 and valve seat 502 so that fluid from the chamber 303 and an air stream from the chamber 310 are both released into the outlet passageway at the same time.
  • FIGS. 4A to 4 D would usually have a lock to prevent the accidental actuation of the device. Any suitable lock could be used.
  • FIGS. 4A to 4 D is adapted to generate a spray, it could equally be a dispenser adapted to eject a volume of liquid at a lower pressure, and not in the form of a spray.
  • the air from the chamber 310 would still mix with the fluid ejected from the chamber and the respective pre-compression valves for each chamber would also be present.
  • the actuator members of the embodiments of the invention provide a convenient means by which the devices of the present invention may be actuated.
  • the actuator member provides a rigid or substantially rigid handle or surface which an operator engages to apply a pressure.
  • the actuator surfaces provided by the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 A to 4 D do not deform when a pressure is applied. Thus the configuration of the surface remains constant during use. Furthermore, the area of the actuator surface is sufficient such that an operator can use any part of their hand, or even arm, to actuate the dispensing of fluid from the container.
  • a further advantage of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4A to 4 D is that the over cap 501 provides an increased mechanical efficiency due to the leverage provided about the pivot point 525 .
  • the air chamber 310 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 A to 4 D may also be used in embodiments of the invention that comprise two liquid-containing chambers and which are adapted to simultaneously eject two liquids at the same time.
  • An example of such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • the air from the air chamber 310 could be mixed with one or both of the liquids dispensed from these chambers prior to ejection through the outlet of the device.
  • a second liquid may be provided in the air chamber 310 instead of air.
  • the chamber 310 could be a self-contained reservoir of liquid and the amount of liquid dispensed with each actuation could be limited by the dimensions of the outlet channel 512 .
  • the chamber 310 may draw fluid a compartment in the container to which it is attached, in a similar manner to the way the chamber 303 is replenished after each actuation.
  • FIGS. 4A to 4 D could be made from a single, integrally formed component part, as shown, or could be formed from several separate component parts that are assembled together to form the device.
  • the device would usually be moulded from a rigid plastic.
  • the necessary deformability for certain parts of the structure can be provided by making these required sections of a reduced thickness, which imparts the necessary deformability characteristics into the design.
  • a liquid reservoir may be integrally formed with the device.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
US10/545,745 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Improvements in or relating to nozzle devices Abandoned US20070034718A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (17)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0303698A GB0303698D0 (en) 2002-08-23 2003-02-18 Outlet device for a container
GB0303698.5 2003-02-18
GB0305597A GB0305597D0 (en) 2002-08-23 2003-03-12 Outlet device for a container
GB0305597.7 2003-03-12
GB0308909.1 2003-04-17
GB0308909A GB0308909D0 (en) 2003-04-17 2003-04-17 Outlet device for a container
GB0310244.9 2003-05-03
GB0310244A GB0310244D0 (en) 2003-05-03 2003-05-03 Outlet device for a container
GB0318022A GB0318022D0 (en) 2003-08-01 2003-08-01 Outlet device for a container
GB03188022.1 2003-08-01
GB0320720A GB0320720D0 (en) 2003-09-04 2003-09-04 Outlet device for a container
GB0320720.6 2003-09-04
GB0327423.0 2003-11-25
GB0327423A GB0327423D0 (en) 2003-11-25 2003-11-25 Outlet device for a container
GB0400858A GB0400858D0 (en) 2004-01-15 2004-01-15 Outlet device for a container
GB0400858.7 2004-01-15
PCT/GB2004/000620 WO2004073871A2 (fr) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Perfectionnements apportes ou relatifs a des buses

Publications (1)

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US20070034718A1 true US20070034718A1 (en) 2007-02-15

Family

ID=32913418

Family Applications (8)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/545,745 Abandoned US20070034718A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Improvements in or relating to nozzle devices
US10/545,743 Abandoned US20070164132A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Spray nozzle
US10/546,162 Abandoned US20060243825A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Dispenser pump
US10/545,593 Abandoned US20060186139A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Dispenser nozzle
US10/545,592 Expired - Fee Related US7357335B2 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Nozzle devices
US10/545,590 Abandoned US20070012723A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Dual chamber dispenser
US10/545,594 Expired - Fee Related US7757970B2 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Nozzle devices
US12/005,899 Expired - Fee Related US7775461B2 (en) 2003-02-18 2007-12-28 Nozzle devices

Family Applications After (7)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/545,743 Abandoned US20070164132A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Spray nozzle
US10/546,162 Abandoned US20060243825A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Dispenser pump
US10/545,593 Abandoned US20060186139A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Dispenser nozzle
US10/545,592 Expired - Fee Related US7357335B2 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Nozzle devices
US10/545,590 Abandoned US20070012723A1 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Dual chamber dispenser
US10/545,594 Expired - Fee Related US7757970B2 (en) 2003-02-18 2004-02-17 Nozzle devices
US12/005,899 Expired - Fee Related US7775461B2 (en) 2003-02-18 2007-12-28 Nozzle devices

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (8) US20070034718A1 (fr)
EP (7) EP1594618A2 (fr)
JP (7) JP2006520440A (fr)
AU (7) AU2004213215A1 (fr)
BR (7) BRPI0407413A (fr)
CA (7) CA2513796A1 (fr)
ES (1) ES2314375T3 (fr)
MX (7) MXPA05008717A (fr)
WO (7) WO2004073877A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100032451A1 (en) * 2005-12-01 2010-02-11 Reinhard Neuhaus Delivery Device With a Reinforced Flexible Wall

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