US2234079A - Fluid dispenser - Google Patents

Description

March 4, 1941. T. w. MILLER 2,234,079

FLUID DISPEWSER Filed Dec. 9, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Tho mabwMifler .INVLMTOK March 4, 1941. T. w. MILLER FLUID DISFENSER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVNTOR M E fi/ww ATToRwrss ThwmWMill r Filed Dec. 9, 1938 Patented Mar. 4, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLUID DISPENSER Thomas W. Miller, Ashland, Ohio, assignor to The Faultless Rubber Company, Ashland, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application December 9, 1938, Serial No. 244,809

8 Claims. (01. 21574) My invention relates to fluid dispensers, more rubber. The body 20 has a, circular part 2| particularly to combined closures and fluid disfitting Within t e recess 0f the p meehs' pensers for containers, and the principal object ill, and an annular downwardly tapering P of my invention is to provide new and improved 22 closely fitting the inclined wall iii of the devices of this character. projection ll. The tapering part 22 leads to a In the drawings accompanying this specificacylindrical part 23 which is disposed intermetlen, and forming a part of this application, I diate the tapering part 22 and an annular flange have shown, for purposes of illustration, embodi- 24. The flange 24 bears against the shoulder ments which my invention may assume, and in t? Of the cap means and thus holds the y .o these drawings: 20 assembled with the cap means Hi. The lower Figure 1 is a side elevational view of an emsurface of the flange 24 tapers downwardly to bodiment of my invention applied to a bottl provide a sealing surface 25. The upper part Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical of the body is provided with a central downsectional view of the embodiment shown in Fig- Werdly inclined recess 27, Which is Surrounded l5 ure by a substantially fiat annular surface 28. The

Figure 3 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2, body is formed with an aperture extending cenomitting the bottle, and showing the parts comtrally therethrough, and this aperture communiprising the embodiment in separated r lati cates with the recess 21, and has an enlarged and additionally showing means closing the disd w wa dly t p in p t n 9 r in w or :0 penser opening, cylindrical portion 30. 99

Figure is a sectional view similar to Figure 2, A180 Carried by the l means to is a bulb showing certain parts in the r l ti assumed means 3|, preferably formed of relatively soft when the dispenser is sealed, resilient rubber. The bulb means 3| has a skirt Figure 5 is a side elevational view, illustrating portion 32, open t i l w nd, and havin :5 a different embodiment of my invention applied a relatively plane surface 33 at this open end,

to a bottle, and an annular groove 34 spaced slightly from Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary ti the plane surface 33. The skirt 32 merges with sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figa dome-Shaped portion 35, the thickness of this We dome-shaped portion being less than the thick- 3%) Figure '7 is a sectional view similar to Figure ness of the skirt portion 32, and the connection 0 6, omitting the bottle, and showing the parts of the ap d portion 35 with h sk t p rcomprising the invention in separated relation, tion 32 is formed as shown at 36 to facilitate flexand ing at this point. The dome-shaped portion 35 Figure 8 is a Sectional View corresponding genis provided with a centrally located downwardly 35' erally to the line 8-8 of Figure 6, but showing ng valve member 31, prefera ly integrel- 35 the Valve in unseated relation, ly formed with the bulb means 3|, and an up- The embodiment of the invention shown in Figy eXtending knob preferably extending ures 1 through 4 comprises cap means Ill, formed integral y from the outer surface of the domeof substantially rigid material, preferably hard shaped portion .4) rubber or the like. The cap means It] h a Positioned oiT-center with respect to the bulb o skirt portion II, which may have its exterior means and preferably integrally nected surface roughened as by the fluting shown at l2 therewith, is an up bOSS e bOSS 39v in Figure 1, and the skirt portion may be proas herein shown, has its axis somewhat inclined vided with screw-threads l3 formed on its inh respect to the axis of the bulb means 3|.

4'5 terior surface. The top wall of the cap means and iS Provided With an aperture 40. During- I0 is apertured, and has an annular lip [4 overmanufacture 0fv the bulb meehe the p e hanging an annular recess IS, the wall defining 49 may be'formed with-its extremity C S P the recess l5 merging with a downwardly inerably y a integrally f r d p us hown clined top wall [3 of an inwardly extending anin Figure 3. This plug 4| may be removed to 50' nular projection 11, the lower wall of the pro-jecp ov e for flow through the p e as y 50 tion I! being substantially flat and providing a cutting off this plug. by means of a knife or scisshoulder l8. The projection I! is apertured as sors, when the dispenser is ready for use. Figshown at H]. ures 1, 2, and 4- show the bulb means 3| with the A body 20 is carried by the cap means It), and plug removed. 5' is preferably formed of relatively soft resilient To assemble the parts hereinbefore described,

the bulb means 3| is preferably secured to the .body 29 in fluid-tight relation, and this may be efiected by connecting the plane surface 33 of the bulb means 3| to the plane surface 28 of the body 29 by means of a suitable cement or the like, thus forming a unitary structure which includes the bulb means 3| and the body 25. This unitary structure provides a chamber 42, defined by the inner walls of the bulb means 3| and the upper surface of the body 20. The unitary structure may be assembled with the cap means lo by inserting the lower end of the body 25 through the aperture |9 in the cap means Ii an amount necessary to pass the flange 24 through the aperture l9. The'upper surface of the flange 24 then yieldably engages the shoulder l8 of the cap means ID as shown in Figures 2 and 4, and thus provides a fluid-tight connection between the unitary structure and the cap means it]. At the same time, the lip I4 of the cap means |9 seats in the groove 34 of the bulb means 3|,-thus assisting to hold the bulb means 3| and 'thebody 20 assembled with the cap means" It. The flange 24 and shoulder 8, and the groove 34 and the lip l4, are'so constructed and arranged that plane surfaces 28 and 33 of the body 29 and bulb means 3| respectively, are pressedtightly together, and if desired, the cement joining these plane surfaces may be omitted, so that the body 20 and the bulb means 3| may be assembled individually with the cap means In.

The combined closure and dispenser thus formed is adapted to cover the opening 43 of a container 44, such as the bottle herein shown. Thecontainer 44 may have a neck 45 surrounding the opening 43, and this neck 45 may be provided with exteriorscrew-threads 46 adapted to engage with the interior screw-threads |3 of the cap means I 9, and in this manner hold the combined closure and dispenser in position on the container.

The dome-shaped portion 35 of the bulb means 3| is capable oi movement to the position shown in Figure 2, or to the position shown in Figure 4,

the dome-shaped portion 35 and its connection with the skirt portion 32 being so constructed and arranged that the dome-shaped portion is yieldably held in either'position. In the position shown in Figure 2, the dome-shaped portion 35 is in an extended relation with respect to the skirt portion 32, and in this position the valve member 31 provides for flow of fluid from the container 44, through the aperture in the body 20, to thechamber 42, and through and outwardly of the aperture 49 in the boss 39. The dome-shaped portion 35 may be moved to the position shown in Figure 4, by the application of pressure, such as downward pressure of a finger on the knob 38, thus forcing the dome-shaped portion 35 to a retroverted position with respect to the skirt portion 32, and after the dome-shaped portion 35 has been moved downwardly a predetermined amount;

it will snap to its position shown in Figure 4, and will be resiliently held in this position. In the position shown in Figure 4, the valve member 31 enters the aperture in the body 29, and engages the defining surface. of the tapered portion 29 in sealing relation, thus preventing fluid from the container to flow to the chamber 42; 'To move '1 the dome-shaped portion 35 from the position shown in Figure 4 to the positionshown in Figure 2. auser may grasp the knob 3;8 and pull upwardly on this knob, and the dome-shaped por-" tion 35, after it has been moved upwardlya predetermined amount, will snap to its extended position shown in Figure 2.

To operate the dispenser, assuming that the parts are properly assembled and in the position shown in Figure 2, and assuming also that the container 44 contains a suitable fluid, such as a perfume, a medicinal liquid, or the like, it is merely necessary to invert the container 44, and permit the fluid to gravitate to the chamber 42 and outwardly of the aperture 49 in the boss 39. In some instances it may be necessary to slightly jiggle the container in order to permit air to enter the container through the aperture 49 in the boss 39, so that fluid may flow from the container. After a required amount of fluid has been dispensed, the user may apply pressure to the knob 38, as by pushing with a finger on this knob, .to move the dome-shaped portion 35 to itsretroverted position, and in this position the valve member 31 seals the opening in the body 20, and thus prevents fluid flow from the container 44. However, it is preferable to return the container 44 to its upright position before moving the dome-shaped portion 3'5 to its retroverted position, so that any unused fluid in the chamber 42 may drain along the walls of the recess 21, through the aperture in .the body 29,'and back into the container 44. In this manner, after the dome-shaped member 35 is moved to the position shown in Figure 4,

objectionable leaking of unused fluid from the chamber 42 is prevented.

- Referring to the embodiment shown in Figures through 8, the embodiment therein illustrated comprises cap means 41, formed of substantially rigid material, preferably hard rubber or the like. The cap means 41 is formed substantially like the cap means to hereinbefore described, and has a skirt portion 48 formed with interior screw-threads 49. The top wall of the cap means 41 is apertured, and has an annular lip 59 overhanging an annular recess 5|, the wall defining the recess 5| merging with a downwardly inclined top wall 52 of an inwardly extending annular projection 53, the lower wall projection being substantially fiat and providing a shoulder 54. The projection 53' is apertured as shown at 55.

A body 56, substantially similar to the body 20 hereinbefore described, is carried by the cap means 41, and is preferably formed of soft resilient rubber. The body 58-. has a circular part 51 fitting within the recess 5| of the cap means 41, and an annular downwardly tapering part 58, a flange 59, and a downwardly tapering part 60 extending from the flange 59, similar to the part 22, flange 24, and part 25 respectively of the body 29, and the body 56 fits the respective parts of the cap means 41 substantially similar to the manner hereinbefore described in the embodiment disclosed in Figures 1 through 4. The upper part of the body 56 is provided with a central downwardly inclined drain recess 6|, which is surrounded by a substantially flat annular surface 62. The body 56 is provided with an aperture extending centrally therethrough, and this aperture communicates with the recess BI, and. has an enlarged portion 63, a reduced portion 64, and an undercutgroove 65 intermediate these portions. v

A bulb means 56 is carried by the cap means 41, and is preferably formed of relatively soft resilient rubber. The bulb means 55 has a skirt portion 61, open at its lower end, and having a relatively plane surface 68 at this open end, and

an annular groove. 69 spaced from the plane surdome-shaped portion iii, the thickness of this dome-shaped portion being less than the thickness of the skirt portion 67, and the connection of the dome-shaped portion iii with the skirt portion 35 is formed as shown at 7 i to facilitate flexing at this point. The dome-shaped portion 10 has a projection 72 extending inwardly of the bulbmeans (it, and this projection is recessed as shown at 73. A valve member M is carried by the domeshaped portion iii, and comprises an elongated stem '55 extending through the aperture in the body 56, one extremity of the stem fitting within the recess i3 formed in the projection 12 and being yieldably grasped by the surface defining the recess l3, and the other extremity of the stem being provided with an enlargement it; having a tapering surface Ti adapted to engage the surfaces defining the lower end of the aperture portion 64 of the body 58 in sealing relation.

Positioned off-center with respect to the bulb means es, and preferably integrally connected therewith, is an upright boss 78, which is apertured to receive the lower reduced end 19 of a nozzle 8%, the aperture of the boss 18 being continued through the skirt portion, as shown at 8!, to communicate with the interior of the bulb means (55. The nozzle Si is preferably formed of rubber, and is provided with an aperture 32, and this aperture may be closed by a plug similar to the integral plug M hereinbefore described.

To assemble the parts comprising the embodiment shown in Figures 5 through 8, the bulb means 55, body 58, and the cap means 61, may be assembled in a manner similar to that described in connection with the embodiment shown in Figures 1 through 4, and when assembled, the bulb means 65 and body 5% provide a chamber 83. The stem of the valve member M may be inserted through the aperture in the body 56, and its extremity may be seated within the recess 13 of the projection '52. t will be noted that the length of the stem 15 is so proportioned that when the extremity of the stem i5 is properly disposed within the recess 13 of the projection 12, the tapering surface Tl engages the lower end of the body 56 in sealing relation when the dome-shaped portion ill assumes the shape shown in Figure 6. The reduced extremity E9 of the nozzle may be inserted into the aperture of the boss 18 at any convenient time during assembly operation.

The combined closure and dispenser thus formed is adapted to cover the opening 84 of a container 85, such as the bottle herein shown. The container 35 may have a neck 88 provided with exterior screw-threads 81 adapted to cooperate with the interior screw-threads 49 of the cap means 47, and in this manner hold the combined closure and dispenser in position on the container.

To operate the dispenser, assuming that the parts are assembled in the manner shown in Figure 6, and that the container contains a suitable fluid, it is merely necessary to invert the container 85, and to press on the dome-shaped portion iii, as by means of a finger as shown in Figure 8, so that the tapered portion ii of the valve member M is moved from the lower end of the body 55, thus permitting fluid from the container to gravitate into the chamber 83, and through and outwardly of the aperture 82 in the nozzle 88. As before, it may sometimes be necessary to slightly jiggle the bottle to permit air to enter the bottle. Removal of the pressing force from the dome-shaped portion 10 permits the dome-shaped portion iii to resiliently move from the shape shown in Figure 8 back to its normal shape shown in Figure 6, so as to seat the valvemember and thereby prevent any further fluid flow from the container 85. Any unused fluid. within the chamber 83 is preferably permitted to drain along the inclined walls of the recess. 6! back. through the aperture in the body 56 and into the container 85, as by righting the container 85 and holding the valve member 14 in open position.

The invention herein disclosed, provides a combined closure and fluid dispenser which may be easily manufactured and assembled, and may be used for a variety of purposes. The parts comprising the closure and dispenser, if desired, may be of different colors, to provide an attractive appearance.

From the foregoing it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that I have accomplished at least the principal object of my invention, and it also will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments herein described may be variously changed and modified, without departing from the spirit of the invention, and that the invention is capable of uses and has advantages not herein specifically described; hence it will be appreciated that the heroin disclosed embodiments are illustrative only, and that my invention is not limited thereto. 1

I claim:

1. Closure means for a container, comprising: bulb means, connectable to the container adjacent the container opening, and having a skirt portion and a Wall portion capable of being moved to retroverted or extended positions with respect to said skirt portion and including means preventing flow of substance from the container when said wall portion is in retroverted position and providing for flow of substance from the container when said wall portion is in extended position, said wall portion being so constructed and arranged that movement from one position to another is accompanied by a snap action.

2. Closure means for a container, comprising:

cap means, engageable with the container adjaranged as to provide a seal between the connection of said cap means with the container, said sealing means having an opening through which substance from the container may pass; bulb means forming a chamber communicating with said sealing means opening, the chamber having an opening through which substance from the container may be dispensed, said bulb means including a skirt portion connected to said cap means and a wall portion capable of being moved to retroverted or extended positions with respect to said skirt portion, said wall portion being so constructed and arranged that it is movable from one position to another with a snap action and is yieldably held in said other position; and valve means, carried by said wall portion, so constructed and arranged as to close the opening in said sealing means when said wall portion is in retroverted position, and to uncover said opening when said wall portion is in extended position.

3. A dispensing closure for a container, having means engageable with the container for holding the closure in position on the container, and having also a resilient bulb forming a chamber which is adapted to be in communication with the interior of the container, said bulbhaving a wall portion that maybe moved from its extended position to a retroverse position and return, and said bulb being so constructed and ar-' ranged that said wall portion is urged toone or the other of said positions when said wall portion passes through a median or neutral position, said wall portion carrying a valve member so constructed and arranged that in the retroverse position-of said wall portion it operates to close communication between said chamber and the interior of the container, and in the extended position of said wall portion it operates to open communication between said chamber and the interior of the container.

4. A dispensing closure for a container, comprising: cap means, engageable with the neck of the container for holding the closure in position on the container; sealing means, of resilient material, carried within said cap means, and engageable with the container neck in sealing relation, said sealing means having a passageway therethrough; a bulb formed of resilient material, and carried by the top of said cap means, said bulb providing a chamber which communicates with the interior of the container through the passageway in said sealing means, and said bulb having a wall portion that may be moved from its extended position to a retroverse position and return, said bulb being so constructed and arranged that said wall portion is urged to one or the other of said positions when said wall portion passes through a median or neutral positiongand said wall portion carrying a stopper so constructed and arranged that in the retro-verse position of said wall portion it fits into and closes the passageway in said sealing means.

5. Closure means for a container, comprising: cap means, having a skirt portion constructed to engage the container adjacent the opening into the container, and having also an apertured top wall, and groove means formed about the interior of said skirt portion; means forming a chamber with said cap means, and having .a resilient flange extending through said top wall aperture and peripherally fitting said groove means but occupying only a portion of the cross-sectional extent of said groove means, said chamber having an opening through which substance from the container may be dispensed, and including a movable wall portion; sealing means, constructed and arranged to seal the connection of said cap means with the container, and having an aperture providing for passage of substance from the container tosaid chamber, and having also a resilient flange peripherally fitting said groove means and so constructed that it closely occupies the remainder of the cross-sectional extent of said groove means and abuts the flange of said chamber forming means in sealing relation, thereby preventing passage of substance out wardly from the container other than through said sealing means aperture to said chamber; and valve means carried by said wall portion, so constructed and arranged that by movement with said wall portion it controls communication be:

- tween said chamber and the interior of the con tainer.

6. Closure means for a container having a neck surrounding its openingcomprising: cap means, having a skirt portion constructed to engage about the container neck, and having also an top wall aperture and peripherally fitting said groove means but occupying only a portion of the cross-sectional extent of said groove means, said chamber having an opening through which substance from the container may be dispensed, and said bulb means having a wall portion movable to different positions; sealing means, formed of resilient material, and having a portion constructed to be clamped between a portion of said cap means and the lip of the container neck, said sealing means having an aperture providing for passage of substance from the container to said chamber, and having also an integral flange peripherally fitting said groove means and so constructed that it closely occupies the remainder of the cross-sectional extent of said groove means and abuts the flange of said bulb means in sealing relation, thereby preventing passage of substance outwardly from the container other than through said sealing means aperture to said chamber; and valve means carried by said Wall portion, so constructed and arranged that depending upon the position of said Wall portion, it prevents or permits passage of substance through said sealing means aperture.

7. Closure means for a container having a neck surrounding its opening comprising: cap means, having a skirt portion constructed to engage about the container neck, and having also an apertured top wall, and annular groove means formed about the interior of said skirt portion; bulb, means formed of resilient material, and forming a chamber with said cap means, and having an integral flange extending through said top wall aperture and peripherally fitting said groove means but occupying only a portion of the cross-sectional extent of said groove means, said chamber having an opening through which substance from the container may be dispensed, and said bulb means having a wall portion so constructed that it may be moved from an extended position to a retroverse position and return, and said bulb means being so constructed and arranged that said wall portion is urged to one or the other of said positions when said Wall portion passes through a median or vertical position; sealing means, formed of resilient material, and having a portion constructed to be clamped between a portion of said cap means and the lip of the container neck, said sealing means having an aperture providing for passage of substance from the container to said chamber, and having also an integral flange peripherally fitting said groove means and so constructed that it closely occupies the remainder of the crosssectional extent of said groove means and abuts the flange of said bulb means in sealing relation, thereby preventin passage of substance outwardly from the container other than through said sealing means aperture to said chamber; and valve means carried by said wall portion, so constructed and arranged that in retroverse position of said wall portion said valve means closes passage through said sealing means aperture, and in extended position of said wall portion said valve means provides for passage through said sealing means aperture.

. 8. Closure means for a container having a neck surrounding its opening comprising: cap means,

having a skirt portion constructed to engage about the container neck, and having also an apertured top wall, and annular groove means formed about the interior of said skirt portion; bulb means formed of resilient material, and

forming a chamber with said cap means, and having an integral flange extending through said top wall aperture and peripherally fitting said groove means but occupying only a portion of the cross-sectional extent of said groove means, said chamber having an opening through which substance from the container may be dispensed, and said bulb means having a wall portion resiliently urged to a predetermined portion, but movable from such position by the application of manual force; sealing means, formed of resilient material, and having a portion constructed to be clamped between a portion of said cap means and the lip of the container neck, said sealing means having an aperture providing for passage of substance from the container to said chamber, and having also an integral flange peripherally fitting said groove means and so constructed that it closely occupies the remainder of the cross-sectional extent of said groove means and abuts the flange of said bulb means in sealing relation, thereby preventing passage of substance outwardly from the container other than through said sealing means aperture to said chamber; and valve means carried by said Wall portion, so constructed and. arranged that when said wall portion is in said predetermined position said valve means closes passage through said sealing means aperture, and when said wall portion is moved from said predetermined position said vale means provides for passage through said sealing means aperture. 15

THOMAS W. MILLER.

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