US3152731A

US3152731A - Dispensing adapter

Info

Publication number: US3152731A
Application number: US159658A
Authority: US
Inventors: Benjamin J Prussack
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 1961-12-15
Filing date: 1961-12-15
Publication date: 1964-10-13
Anticipated expiration: 1981-10-13
Also published as: GB1005863A

Description

Oct. 13, 1964 B. J. PRUSSACK 3,152,731

DISPENSING ADAPTER Filed Dec. 15, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TOR.

38 BENJAMIN J. PRUSSACK, M

ATTORNEY v Oct. 13, 1964 a J. PRUSSACK 3,152,731

DISPENSING ADAPTER Filed Dec. 15, 1961 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. BENJAMIN 'J. PRUSSACK, v

JWAZ ATTORNEY .in for a fluent additive product.

United States Patent 3,152,731 DISPENSING ADAPTER Benjamin J. Prussack, Brooklyn, N.Y., assignor to The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Dec. 15, 1961, Ser. No. 159,658 9 Claims. (Cl. 222145) This invention pertains to an adapter for dispensing a fluent additive product simultaneously with a fluent base product being dispensed from a conventional container such as a collapsible tube. More particularly, the invention provides a novel article for safely storing an additive product separately from a related base product in order to avoid combining the two products until they are to be used.

So called bicameral collapsible tubes and other devices have been proposed for simultaneously dispensing different products from separate storage chambers in a single container. Such tubes and devices as have been developed have certain disadvantages which are overcome by the present invention. In the prior devices, a special collapsible tube construction is necessary to dispense the products simultaneously. This results in a structure which is costly and expensive. It also requires special filling and assembly equipment in order to fill the container or containers properly at production rates necessary to produce a package which can be sold in the commercial market-place. Furthermore, prior devices cannot be operated to selectively dispense only one prodnot as their structures are such that both products are necessarily dispensed when the container is squeezed or otherwise manipulated.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a dispensing adapter for attachment to a conventional collapsible tube or the like. The adapter can be attached as necessary or desired so that the contents of the tube and the dispensing adapter are simultaneously extruded. This structure permits independent extrusion of the product in the collapsible tube simply by removing the adapter. When the product in the dispensing adapter is to be extruded with the product in the collapsible tube, the dispensing adapter is attached to the tube so that the two products can be dispensed together. This permits dispensing of products which are incompatible when stored together. It also allows the addition of flavoring, enriching, or coloring materials to a paste-like product just prior to consumption so that the added qualities stored in the adapter will not be deteriorated as might happen if stored in contact with the product in the tube. It is also possible to dispense such combinations as peanut butter and jelly which are stored in the separate containers as Well as other food and cosmetic products which are preferably stored independently of one another.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a detachable adapter device for storing an additive product including means to prevent drying out of the additiveproduct when so stored. The means for the prevention of drying the additive product are designed to be inexpensive so that they can be disposed of after the dispenser is placed in operation. This may include a conventional closure cap as used on collapsible tubes or like structural elements which are easily removed to permit operation of the adapter.

, Still a further object of the invention is the provision of 'a detachable adapter member having its contents sealed off at one end by a gate or other movable seal member so that it can be opened before, during or after attachment to a conventional collapsible tube.

The invention briefly summarized is composed of an adapter member having a hollow storage chamber there- The lower end of the adapter is provided with threads which can engage the threaded end of a conventional collapsible tube or its equivalent. The other end of the adapter has a discharge opening which can be closed when not in use by a conventional closure cap or other means. One or more small passageways lead from the storage chamber to the discharge opening. The lower end of the storage chamber is initially sealed off by a movable or removable seal member which can be unseated or removed when the adapter is first attached to the tube or it can be moved by the extrusion pressure of the fluent base product when it is dispensed. The adapter may remain mounted on the tube during intermittent use or it can be removed if the fluent contents of the tube are later to be dispensed independently.

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary elevation of the dispensing adapter attached to a conventional collapsible tube having a cap screwed to its outer end.

FIGURE 2 is a cross-section in elevation of one form of the dispensing adapter taken along the line Z2 of FIGURES 1 and 3.

FIGURE 3 is a cross-section taken through the dispenser along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of the movable seal member used in the embodiment of FIGURES 13.

FIGURE 5 is a view of the seal member in section taken on the line 55 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary section taken on the line 66 of FIGURE 2 showing the configuration of the passageway leading from the storage chamber to the discharge opening.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary elevation in section of one modification of the dispenser.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary elevation in section of another modification of the invention.

FIGURE 9 illustrates still another modification in section.

FIGURE 10 is an elevation in cross-section showing a removable plug seal that can be employed with the dispensing adapter.

FIGURE 11 is a cross-section taken on the line 1111 of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is an elevation in section showing the dispensing adapter with independent removable seals on both ends.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary plan view of the endpiece of a modified dispensing adapter having removable punch-outs to seal in the additive material.

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary elevation in section taken on the line 14-44 of FIGURE 13.

Referring now to the drawings, the upper portion of a conventional collapsible tube 20 is illustrated in FIG- URE 1. The dispensing adapter 21 is shown attached to the threaded neck of the tube 20 and a conventional closure cap 22 is shown attached to the adapter 21. This illustrates the relative location of the adapter when ready for use to simultaneously dispense the base product from the tube 20 and the additive product from the dispenser 21. Ordinarily, the dispenser adapter 21 would be separated from the tube 20 when shipped. In this way the base product in the tube 20 cannot come in contact with the additive product in the adapter 21 under any circumstances. Additionally this allows dispensing the base product from the tube 2.0 alone if desired. On the other hand, it is possible to attach the adapter 21 if the contents of the adapter are to be extruded simultaneous- 1y with the contents of the tube 20. If the adapter and tube are to be attached when stored, the cap 22 may be screwed in place as shown. This prevents drying out or contamination of the contents of either the tube or adapter.

Various forms of the dispensing adapter 21 will now be described and it will be appreciated that any of these forms Will operate satisfactorily although certain forms may be preferred over others under certain conditions. The principle employed for each embodiment is substantially the same. The adapter illustrated in FIGURES 2 and 3 (as well as the basic structure of the adapters shown in FIGURES 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14) is composed of an outer body in the form of an outer wall 23 and a central guide tube in the form of an inner wall 24. The

walls

23 and 24 enclose an annular storage chamber 25 for storing the additive product or products. The upper end of the adapter terminates in a threaded portion 26 surrounding a discharge opening 27. The threaded portion 26 preferably has the same thread as can be used on a conventional collapsible tube. This permits the cap 22 to be removed from the tube 20 and screwed on the outer end of the adapter after it has been attached to the tube.

The lower end of the adapter has an end-piece 23 secured thereto as by heat fusion or adhesion at the

surfaces

29 and 29a. The end-piece 28 partially closes the lower portion of the storage chamber 25. The remaining exposed portion is in the form of an annular area which is closed off by a rigid and movable seal member 30 the details of which are illustrated in FIGURES 4 and 5. The seal member 3% initially rests on the surface 31. In the embodiment of FIGURES 2 and 3, dividing

walls

32 and 33 are used so that the annular chamber 25 is divided into two

isolated compartments

34 and 35. This permits extrusion of two distinct additive products which are isolated from one another when stored in the

chambers

34 and 35. For example, flavor and color additives can be dispensed from the separate compartments; or separate color additives can be dispensed to extrude a multi-colored product.

The seal member 30 is provided with oppositely disposed U-shaped extensions 36 which have slots 37 (FIG- URE to prevent interference from the dividing

Walls

32 and 33. The products in the

compartments

34 and 35 can be dispensed through the passageways 38 which are tapered in cross section (as Seen in FIGURE 6) and lead to the central discharge opening 27 In operation, the annular chamber 25 (composed of compartments 34 and 35) is filled with a fluent additive product or products. The end-piece 28 and the movable seal 30 are then assembled into their proper relationship as shown in FIGURE 2. A conventional closure cap can be used to seal the outer end of the adapter. When the adapter is to be used, it is first screwed on the end of a collapsible tube. This will cause the U-shaped extensions 36 to strike the threaded nozzle of the collapsible tube causing the seal member 30 to move upwardly to a position as shown in phantom outline in FIGURE 2. Thus when the tube is first squeezed, the fluent base product in the tube will flow through the inner wall 24 and out the discharge opening 27. Simultaneously, the extrusion pressure will force the fluent additive product in the chamber 25 through the passageways 38 Where it will combine with the product issuing from the discharge opening 27. The additive product so dispensed may be in the form of a color variation to produce a decorative multi-color effect or it may be a product which is incompatible with the base product when stored together or one that is preferably stored separately (peanut butter and jelly) until the two products are to be used. Thus, it is possible to add coloring, enriching, or flavoring materials to the base product. It is also possible to dispense products having different characteristics (peanut butter and jelly) to obtain a product which is commonly used in combination although rarely stored that way.

A variation of the device is shown in FIGURE 7. In this embodiment, the movable seal member 39 is also rigid and is symmetrical throughout. In addition, there are no dividing walls in the annular chamber 25 so that only a single additive product is dispensed. The operation of the FIGURE 7 device is quite similar although the seal member 39 is not positively unseated merely by attachment to the collapsible tube 20. Instead, the movable seal member 39 is moved upwardly (to the phantom position shown) by the force exerted thereon by the base product as it is extruded from the tube. This force is also transmitted to the additive product in the annular chamber 25 causing it to flow out through the passageways 38 where it unites with the base product in the discharge opening 27.

Another modification is shown in FIGURE 8. In this embodiment, the movable seal member 40 is in the form of a flexible annular member which moves upwardly in response to the extrusion pressure created by the base product as in the previously described embodiment. FIGURE 8 also illustrates the provision of a skirt 41 which can be attached to the end-piece 28 if desired in order to obtain a more pleasing streamline appearance for the adapter by eliminating the large gap between the shoulder of the tube and the bottom of the adapter.

Still another modification is shown in FIGURE 9. In this embodiment, the movable seal member 42 surrounds a necked down portion 43 of the inner wall 24. Extensions 45 are provided on the seal member 42. The operation of this embodiment is quite similar to that of the embodiment of FIGURES 2-5. The extensions 45 strike the threaded end of the collapsible tube. This moves the seal member 42 upwardly to the position shown in phantom lines. Once again the additive material is extruded through the passageways 38 as a result of the pressure from the base product when the collapsible tube is squeezed.

FIGURE 10 illustrates a variation in the means for sealing off the passageways 38 and the storage chamber 25 when the adapter is being shipped or stored. The seal member 46 includes an integral upper sealing plug 47 which closes the discharge opening 27 and the passageways 38. A lower sealing plug 48 seals off the lower portion of the annular chamber 25. The

plugs

47 and 48 are interconnected by a central member 49. A projecting end portion 50 is also provided. The

plug members

47 and 48 are formed from rubber or other compressible and resilient materials. When the adapter is to be used, the projecting end 50. is pulled, thereby pulling the plug 47 through the opening provided by the inner wall 24. After the seal member has been removed the adapter can be attached and used in the manner heretofore described.

FIGURES 10 and 11 also illustrate another modified structure. Dividing

walls

51, 52, 53 and 54 are provided to divide the annular chamber 25 into four separate compartments so that four separate additive products can be discharged with the base product if desired. It is also possible, of course, to put the same additive product in each compartment or in two or three of the compartments as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Another variant is illustrated in FIGURE 12. The dispensing adapter 21 has a stationary upper seal 55 frictionally engaged in the opening 27. A stationary lower seal 56 is frictionally engaged in the bore 57 to seal off the lower portion of the annuar chamber 25.

In using this embodiment, the

plugs

55 and 56 are removed, whereupon the adapter is ready for use in the manner heretofore described.

FIGURES 13 and 14 illustrate another variation in which the end-piece 58 is provided with a plurality of radial support fingers 59. A rupturable seal member 60 is provided with perforations 61 which outline punchouts 62 between the support fingers 59. An inner ring 63 and an outer ring 64 are secured to the diaphragm 60 prior to assembly in order to hold it in proper position until it has been attached to the adapter body. The consumer merely punches out the several areas 62 when the adapter is to be used. This permits the base material in the tube to flow into the annular chamber 25 and force out the additive product all as described above in connection with several other embodiments.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed as new is:

1. A dispensing adapter comprising a dispenser body having outer and inner walls forming an annular storage chamber, at least one fluent additive product stored in said storage chamber, the said inner wall terminating in a discharge opening at its upper end, at least one passageway leading from the said storage chamber to the discharge opening, said dispenser body having threads on the outer wall portion surrounding the discharge opening, an end-piece attached to the dispenser body at its lower end and having an internal thread to receive the threaded end of a collapsible tube, means for sealing the annular storage chamber to prevent contamination and drying out of the additive product prior to using the adapter, and means for sealing the discharge opening to protect the additive product in said adapter both before and after it is used.

2. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for sealing the annular storage chamber is a movable annular seal member.

3. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 2 including a downwardly projecting extension on said movable annular seal member, said extension being within said internal thread on said end-piece so that the extension is contacted to move and unseat the said movable annular seal member when the adapter is attached to the threaded neck of a collapsible tube or like container.

4. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the closure means for the discharge opening comprises a removable upper sealing plug and the means sealing the annular storage chamber comprises a removable lower sealing plug.

5. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said end-piece includes a plurality of radially disposed support fingers and said means for sealing the annular storage chamber includes a rupturable seal member having punchout areas interposed between said fingers.

6. A dispensing adapter comprising a dispenser body having outer and inner walls forming an annular storage chamber for an additive product, said inner wall terminating in a discharge opening at its upper end, at least one passageway from said storage chamber to the discharge opening, a thread at one end of said dispenser body for receiving a closure cap, an end-piece attached to the dispenser body at the other end having an internal thread to receive the threaded neck of a collapsible tube, a movable seal member having a central opening surrounding the inner wall, said movable seal member providing a closure for the lower end of the annular storage chamber and means for moving the said seal member when the adapter is attached to a collapsible tube so that the base product as extruded from the tube passes through the said discharge opening in the adapter and an additive product is simultaneously extruded through the passageway leading to the discharge opening as a result of the extrusion pressure of the base product acting on the additive product in the storage chamber.

7. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 6 including at last one dividing wall in said annular storage chamber to permit isolated storage of at least two additive products and simultaneous extrusion of same with said base product.

8. A dispensing adapter as claimed in claim 6 in which the pasasgeways leading to the discharge opening are tapered.

9. A dispensing adapter for discharging an additive product in combination with a base product dispensed from a conventional container comprising a storage chamber defined by inner and outer annular walls, said inner wall terminating in a discharge opening, at least one passageway leading from said storage chamber to said discharge opening, a movable seal spaced inwardly of said discharge opening to close the bottom of said storage chamber, an extension member projecting downwardly from said movable seal, means for attaching said adapter to a conventional threaded container, said extension member being contacted by the end of the threaded container and being moved when the adapter is attached to said threaded container thereby moving said seal out of sealing relationship at the bottom of said storage chamber whereby the contents of the container have access to the storage chamber to extrude the contents thereof through said passageway when the product in the container is extruded through the discharge opening by the application of extrusion pressure to said container.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,531,641 Perrigo Nov. 28, 1950 3,031,104 Moskovitz Apr. 24, 1962 3,042,263 Gallo July 3, 1962

Claims

1. A DISPENSING ADAPTER COMPRISING A DISPENSER BODY HAVING OUTER AND INNER WALLS FORMING AN ANNULAR STORAGE CHAMBER, AT LEAST ONE FLUENT ADDITIVE PRODUCT STORED IN SAID STORAGE CHAMBER, THE SAID INNER WALL TERMINATING IN A DISCHARGE OPENING AT ITS UPPER END, AT LEAST ONE PASSAGEWAY LEADING FROM THE SAID STORAGE CHAMBER TO THE DISCHARGE OPENING, SAID DISPENSER BODY HAVING THREADS ON THE OUTER WALL PORTION SURROUNDING THE DISCHARGE OPENING, AN END-PIECE ATTACHED TO THE DISPENSER BODY AT ITS LOWER END OF A COLLAPSIBLE TUBE, MEANS FOR SEALING THE ANNULAR STORAGE CHAMBER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION AND DRYING OUT OF THE ADDITIVE PRODUCT PRIOR TO USING THE ADAPTER, AND MEANS FOR SEALING THE DISCHARGE OPENING TO PROJECT THE ADDITIVE PRODUCT IN SAID ADAPTER BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER IT IS USED.