WO1994007752A1 - Outlet metering assembly - Google Patents
Outlet metering assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1994007752A1 WO1994007752A1 PCT/NZ1993/000092 NZ9300092W WO9407752A1 WO 1994007752 A1 WO1994007752 A1 WO 1994007752A1 NZ 9300092 W NZ9300092 W NZ 9300092W WO 9407752 A1 WO9407752 A1 WO 9407752A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- container
- fixed member
- skirt
- engagement means
- fixed
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F11/00—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
- G01F11/10—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation
- G01F11/26—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus
- G01F11/262—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus for liquid or semi-liquid
- G01F11/263—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus for liquid or semi-liquid with valves
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- 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
- B65D41/00—Caps, e.g. crown caps or crown seals, i.e. members having parts arranged for engagement with the external periphery of a neck or wall defining a pouring opening or discharge aperture; Protective cap-like covers for closure members, e.g. decorative covers of metal foil or paper
- B65D41/02—Caps or cap-like covers without lines of weakness, tearing strips, tags, or like opening or removal devices
- B65D41/26—Caps or cap-like covers serving as, or incorporating, drinking or measuring vessels
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F11/00—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
- G01F11/10—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation
- G01F11/26—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus
- G01F11/261—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus for fluent solid material
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F11/00—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it
- G01F11/10—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation
- G01F11/26—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus
- G01F11/268—Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation wherein the measuring chamber is filled and emptied by tilting or inverting the supply vessel, e.g. bottle-emptying apparatus with provision for varying the volume to be delivered
Definitions
- the present invention relates to improvements in and/or relating to containers for dispensable contents, outlet metering assemblies for such containers and related methods and means.
- closable outlet assembly Various forms of closable outlet assembly have previously been proposed for controlling the out pouring of dispensable contents from a container, whether the contents be a powder, liquid or otherwise.
- the present invention provides an outlet metering system for the dispensable contents from a container utilizing an outlet metering assembly which will at least provide an alternative to any existing arrangement.
- the invention consists in a container for dispensable contents (e.g. powder) having an outlet metering assembly, said assembly comprising: a member (hereafter “fixed member") having a top and a skirt dependent from the top, said top having at least one port therethrough and said skirt having exterior engagement means (e.g. thread type) adjacent and/or at the top end thereof, internal engagement means (e.g.
- snap fit engagement means engaging the container body exteriorly of the outlet opening thereof at the other end and an opening or openings through the skirt; an inner member having at least one port therethrough, said inner member being rotatable, relative to said fixed member and the container body, about an axis substantially aligned with that of the fixed member to bring the at least one port of the inner member into and out of an open or closed relationship(s) with the at least one port of the top of said fixed member, said inner member when said at least one part is not aligned at least in part with the at least one part of the top of said fixed member providing a sufficient seal for preventing the contents of the container from passing through said fixed member port(s); and a removable cap member having internal engagement means engageable with the external engagement means of said fixed member to define a chamber of variable volume bounded by the outside of the fixed member top; the construction and arrangement being such that: the relative disposition of the ports are controllable by rotation of the inner member using a digit (e.g.
- the external engagement means of the fixed member and the internal engagement means of the removable cap member allow the chamber defined between the top of said fixed member and the removable cap member to define, dependent on their interengagement which determines said volume, a volume of contents to be dispensed; and said fixed member [or inner member if the fixed member is transparent] (or cap member) has at least one viewable graduation indicative of that volume [or at least some marking(s) or profile(s) to a similar effect] by means of an interaction with the cap member (or, as the case may be, the fixed member [or inner member]); and such that when the container is inverted (or otherwise appropriately disposed) it is possible, with an appropriate alignment of said ports, to dispense at least some of the contents of the container into the removable cap member to fill said variable volume; whereafter, the ports can be brought into a mutual closing condition to enable the cap member to be removed while holding the dispensed material in a cup-like manner.
- the invention consists in a container for dispensable contents (e.g. powder) having an outlet metering assembly, said assembly comprising: a member (hereafter “fixed member") having a top and a skirt dependent from the top, said top having at least one port therethrough and said skirt having exterior engagement means (e.g. thread type) adjacent and/or at the top end thereof, internal engagement means (e.g.
- a snap fit engagement means engaging the container body exteriorly of the outlet opening thereof at the other end and an opening or openings through the skirt; an inner member having a top and a skirt dependent therefrom , said inner member top having at least one port therethrough and having the skirt thereof rotatable, relative to said fixed member and the container body, about its axis substantially aligned with that of the fixed member to bring the at least one port of the inner member into and out of an open or closed relationship(s) with the at least one port of the top of said fixed member, said inner member skirt being located within the skirt of said fixed member and providing a sufficient seal for preventing the contents of the container from passing between the respective skirts and through said fixed member port(s) (e.g.
- the external engagement means of the fixed member and the internal engagement means of the removable cap member allow the chamber defined between the top of said fixed member and the removable cap member to define, dependent on their interengagement which determines said volume, a volume of contents to be dispensed; and said fixed member [or inner member if the fixed member is transparent] (or cap member) has at least one viewable graduation indicative of that volume [or at least some marking(s) or profile (s) to a similar effect] by means of an interaction with the cap member (or, as the case may be, the fixed member [or inner member]); and such that when the container is inverted (or is otherwise appropriately disposed) it is possible, with an appropriate alignment of said ports, to dispense at least some of the contents of the container into the removable cap member to fill said variable volume; whereafter, the ports can be brought into a mutual closing condition to enable the cap member to be removed while holding the dispensed material in a cup-like manner.
- said inner member is a member having a top (in which there is said at least one port) and a skirt dependent therefrom.
- said internal engagement means of said removable cap member and the external engagement means of said fixed means are a screw thread inter engagement means having preferably a constant pitch.
- said fixed member is clip fit engageable about the container body outlet.
- the fixed member is provided with an internal groove to engage a clip fit shoulder about the outlet of said container body.
- graduations are provided on said fixed member capable of being read by reference to the bottom of said removable cap member.
- an anti-rotation keyed inter engagement occurs between said fixed member and said container body.
- said inner member is provided with a grip enhancing region which is accessible for rotational purposes under the action of a digit.
- said arrangement as hereinafter described.
- the present invention consists in an outlet metering assembly of a component, or the components of such an assembly, which when combined operatively with an appropriate container body having an outlet will provide a container as previously set forth.
- the present invention consists in the use of apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
- the present invention consists in a method of dispensing a powder from a container which involves the operative use of apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the present invention featuring the outlet metering assembly thereof and the outlet end of the container, said outlet metering assembly being shown from that side where the fixed member through the opening or openings through the skirt reveals the rotatable inner member
- Figure 2 is side elevational view of the fixed member in accordance with the present invention, Figure 2 showing to the left of the central axis AA the exterior appearance thereof with graduations thereon (preferably in five gram increments) and showing the nature of the threaded exterior near the top end thereof for engaging the removable cap member, Figure 2 showing to the right of the central axis AA the same in section showing at least one of the ports through the top thereof and the internal groove at the bottom end thereof for clip fit engagement about the neck of the outlet of the container body;
- Figure 3 is a plan view of the top of the fixed member of Figure 2;
- Figure 4 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 but this time of the inner member, Figure 4 showing to the left of the central axis BB the exterior of the fixed member while Figure 4, to the right of the central axis BB, shows the cross-section thereof and showing in the top thereof, at least one port capable of being brought into and out of an open engagement with the corresponding port or ports of the fixed member;
- Figure 5 is a plan view of the top of the inner member of Figure 4;
- Figure 6 is a similar view to that of Figures 2 and 4 but this time showing the removable cap member, Figure 6 showing to the left of the central axis CC the exterior of the cap member while Figure 6 to the right of the central axis CC shows the cross- section of the cap member and shows the internal threaded arrangement which inter- engages with that of the fixed member shown in Figure 2;
- Figure 7 is a top plan view of the removable cap of Figure 6;
- Figure 8 is a similar view to that of Figures 2, 4 and 6 but this time of the neck and the outlet of the container body, Figure 8 to the left of the central axis DD showing the exterior of the neck region including the various shoulders on which respectively the fixed member and inner member seat and also showing between such shoulders a projecting ridge which clip fit inter-engages in the groove previously referred to in relation to Figure 2, Figure 8 to the right of the central axis DD showing the neck region in cross-section, and
- Figure 9 shows the assembly of Figure 1 with components as shown in Figures 2 through 8 in an inverted dispensing condition with particulate material passing through the aligned ports of the fixed and inner members into the predetermined (by reference to the graduation) but variable volume of the removable cap member whereupon the ports can then be closed and the dispensed volume contained within the cap member removed and held by the cap member in the form of a cup.
- all components are made from a plastics material by an appropriate moulding process.
- the container in accordance with the present invention includes a container body 1 having a neck 2 as shown in Figure 1, preferably having a shoulder 3 on which the fixed member 4 seats and a further shoulder 5 upon which the inner member 6 seats. Interposed between the shoulders 3 and 5 is a ridge 7 having a facility to enable the clip fit engagement of the fixed member 4 thereto so as to inter-engage an internal annular groove 8 thereof (see Figure 2).
- inner member 6 is aligned with its top 10 adjacent the top 11 of the fixed member 4 and preferably with its skirt 12 adjacent the skirt 13 of the fixed member so as to prevent any tendency for a passage of any contents of the container therebetween.
- a port 14 of the fixed member 4 has been aligned in an open condition with a port 15 of the inner member 6. This bringing into and out of alignment is by means of a digit actuated rotation of the inner member 6 by engagement with the friction enhanced surface 16 thereof through an opening 17 of the fixed member 4.
- a keyed anti-rotation inter- engagement 18 is provided between the fixed member 4 and the container body 1.
- the exterior of the fixed member 4 includes external engagement means 19 which preferably is a constant pitch thread for inter-engaging with the corresponding internal thread 20 of the removable cap member 21 shown in Figure 6.
- the exterior of the fixed member 4 preferably carries graduations 22 (preferably in five gram increments) which by means of a physical inter-engagement with the bottom 23 of the removable cap 21 indicates the volume of powder or other contents of the container capable of being dispensed into the region 24.
- the graduation 22 (see Figure 2) is on the fixed member 4 and thus is exteriorly viewable as to the volume being defined by reference to the bottom edge 23 of the skirt of the removable cap member 21.
- the plastics member 4 is transparent the graduation could be provided on the skirt of the inner member 6 and perform much the same purpose.
- the removable cap member 21 is transparent the graduation 22 could be provided thereon and it could be read by any appropriate indicator provided on the fixed member 4.
- the dose size is controlled by the preset volume which has been selected by an appropriate screwing or unscrewing of the removable cap member with reference to the graduation or graduations. It enables the filling of the reservoir region of the removable cap member (which preferably can be seen through the preferred transparent cap material) and then, after closure of the container, the removal of the cap member cupping the dispensed contents for, for example, addition into a washing machine or the like.
- Such a method has equal application to liquids as well as powders though the measure of seal may be greater in relation to less viscous liquids.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Paper (AREA)
- Devices For Checking Fares Or Tickets At Control Points (AREA)
- Eye Examination Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
An assembly or a container including such an assembly which allows powder contents to be dispensed into a cap prior to the removal of a cap, the position of the cap relative to the body of the container determining, to some extent, the volume of the materials being dispensed, the container otherwise being closable prior to the removal of the cap with the dispensed contents. The assembly comprises a first cap member (4) fixed relative to the container neck (2) and a second cap member (6) rotatable relative to the first cap member and rotatable by finger access through aperture (17) in the first cap member. A third cap member (21) is movably mounted on the first cap member (4) to define a variable volume material chamber (24) therebetween. The first and second cap members have openings (14, 15) alignable by rotation of the second cap member (6) permitting material to flow from the container to the chamber. Cap member (21) can be removed from the assembly to dispense the contents from the cap after rotation of the second member (6) to close opening (14).
Description
OUTLET METERING ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to improvements in and/or relating to containers for dispensable contents, outlet metering assemblies for such containers and related methods and means.
BACKGROUND ART
Various forms of closable outlet assembly have previously been proposed for controlling the out pouring of dispensable contents from a container, whether the contents be a powder, liquid or otherwise. The present invention provides an outlet metering system for the dispensable contents from a container utilizing an outlet metering assembly which will at least provide an alternative to any existing arrangement. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In a first aspect the invention consists in a container for dispensable contents (e.g. powder) having an outlet metering assembly, said assembly comprising: a member (hereafter "fixed member") having a top and a skirt dependent from the top, said top having at least one port therethrough and said skirt having exterior engagement means (e.g. thread type) adjacent and/or at the top end thereof, internal engagement means (e.g. snap fit engagement means) engaging the container body exteriorly of the outlet opening thereof at the other end and an opening or openings through the skirt; an inner member having at least one port therethrough, said inner member being rotatable, relative to said fixed member and the container body, about an axis substantially aligned with that of the fixed member to bring the at least one port of the inner member into and out of an open or closed relationship(s) with the at least one port of the top of said fixed member, said inner member when said at least one part is not aligned at least in part with the at least one part of the top of said fixed member providing a sufficient seal for preventing the contents of the container from passing through said fixed member port(s); and a removable cap member having internal engagement means engageable with the external engagement means of said fixed member to define a chamber of variable volume bounded by the outside of the fixed member top; the construction and arrangement being such that:
the relative disposition of the ports are controllable by rotation of the inner member using a digit (e.g. finger or thumb) on the inner member through said opening or openings through the skirt of said fixed member; the external engagement means of the fixed member and the internal engagement means of the removable cap member allow the chamber defined between the top of said fixed member and the removable cap member to define, dependent on their interengagement which determines said volume, a volume of contents to be dispensed; and said fixed member [or inner member if the fixed member is transparent] (or cap member) has at least one viewable graduation indicative of that volume [or at least some marking(s) or profile(s) to a similar effect] by means of an interaction with the cap member (or, as the case may be, the fixed member [or inner member]); and such that when the container is inverted (or otherwise appropriately disposed) it is possible, with an appropriate alignment of said ports, to dispense at least some of the contents of the container into the removable cap member to fill said variable volume; whereafter, the ports can be brought into a mutual closing condition to enable the cap member to be removed while holding the dispensed material in a cup-like manner. In a second aspect the invention consists in a container for dispensable contents (e.g. powder) having an outlet metering assembly, said assembly comprising: a member (hereafter "fixed member") having a top and a skirt dependent from the top, said top having at least one port therethrough and said skirt having exterior engagement means (e.g. thread type) adjacent and/or at the top end thereof, internal engagement means (e.g. a snap fit engagement means) engaging the container body exteriorly of the outlet opening thereof at the other end and an opening or openings through the skirt; an inner member having a top and a skirt dependent therefrom , said inner member top having at least one port therethrough and having the skirt thereof rotatable, relative to said fixed member and the container body, about its axis substantially aligned with that of the fixed member to bring the at least one port of the inner member into and out of an open or closed relationship(s) with the at least one port of the top of said fixed member, said inner member skirt being located within the skirt of said fixed member and providing a sufficient seal for preventing the contents of the container from passing between the respective skirts and through said fixed member port(s) (e.g. by seating the
inner member skirt onto the container, seating the inner member skirt against the skirt of said fixed member and/or seating the top of the inner member against the inside of the top of said fixed member); and a removable cap member having internal engagement means engagement with the external engagement means of said fixed member to define a chamber of variable volume bounded by the outside of the fixed member top; the construction and arrangement being such that: the relative disposition of the ports are controllable by rotation of the inner member using a digit (e.g. finger or thumb) on the inner member through said opening or openings through the skirt of said fixed member; the external engagement means of the fixed member and the internal engagement means of the removable cap member allow the chamber defined between the top of said fixed member and the removable cap member to define, dependent on their interengagement which determines said volume, a volume of contents to be dispensed; and said fixed member [or inner member if the fixed member is transparent] (or cap member) has at least one viewable graduation indicative of that volume [or at least some marking(s) or profile (s) to a similar effect] by means of an interaction with the cap member (or, as the case may be, the fixed member [or inner member]); and such that when the container is inverted (or is otherwise appropriately disposed) it is possible, with an appropriate alignment of said ports, to dispense at least some of the contents of the container into the removable cap member to fill said variable volume; whereafter, the ports can be brought into a mutual closing condition to enable the cap member to be removed while holding the dispensed material in a cup-like manner.
Preferably said inner member is a member having a top (in which there is said at least one port) and a skirt dependent therefrom.
Preferably said internal engagement means of said removable cap member and the external engagement means of said fixed means are a screw thread inter engagement means having preferably a constant pitch.
Preferably said fixed member is clip fit engageable about the container body outlet. In this respect preferably the fixed member is provided with an internal groove to engage a clip fit shoulder about the outlet of said container body.
Preferably graduations are provided on said fixed member capable of being read by reference to the bottom of said removable cap member.
Preferably an anti-rotation keyed inter engagement occurs between said fixed member and said container body. Preferably said inner member is provided with a grip enhancing region which is accessible for rotational purposes under the action of a digit. Preferably said arrangement as hereinafter described.
And yet a further aspect the present invention consists in an outlet metering assembly of a component, or the components of such an assembly, which when combined operatively with an appropriate container body having an outlet will provide a container as previously set forth.
And yet a further aspect the present invention consists in the use of apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
And yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a method of dispensing a powder from a container which involves the operative use of apparatus in accordance with the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container in accordance with the present invention featuring the outlet metering assembly thereof and the outlet end of the container, said outlet metering assembly being shown from that side where the fixed member through the opening or openings through the skirt reveals the rotatable inner member, Figure 2 is side elevational view of the fixed member in accordance with the present invention, Figure 2 showing to the left of the central axis AA the exterior appearance thereof with graduations thereon (preferably in five gram increments) and showing the nature of the threaded exterior near the top end thereof for engaging the removable cap member, Figure 2 showing to the right of the central axis AA the same in section showing at least one of the ports through the top thereof and the internal groove at the bottom end thereof for clip fit engagement about the neck of the outlet of the container body;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the top of the fixed member of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a similar view to that of Figure 2 but this time of the inner member,
Figure 4 showing to the left of the central axis BB the exterior of the fixed member while Figure 4, to the right of the central axis BB, shows the cross-section thereof and showing in the top thereof, at least one port capable of being brought into and out of an open engagement with the corresponding port or ports of the fixed member; Figure 5 is a plan view of the top of the inner member of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a similar view to that of Figures 2 and 4 but this time showing the removable cap member, Figure 6 showing to the left of the central axis CC the exterior of the cap member while Figure 6 to the right of the central axis CC shows the cross- section of the cap member and shows the internal threaded arrangement which inter- engages with that of the fixed member shown in Figure 2;
Figure 7 is a top plan view of the removable cap of Figure 6;
Figure 8 is a similar view to that of Figures 2, 4 and 6 but this time of the neck and the outlet of the container body, Figure 8 to the left of the central axis DD showing the exterior of the neck region including the various shoulders on which respectively the fixed member and inner member seat and also showing between such shoulders a projecting ridge which clip fit inter-engages in the groove previously referred to in relation to Figure 2, Figure 8 to the right of the central axis DD showing the neck region in cross-section, and
Figure 9 shows the assembly of Figure 1 with components as shown in Figures 2 through 8 in an inverted dispensing condition with particulate material passing through the aligned ports of the fixed and inner members into the predetermined (by reference to the graduation) but variable volume of the removable cap member whereupon the ports can then be closed and the dispensed volume contained within the cap member removed and held by the cap member in the form of a cup. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
In the preferred form of the present invention all components are made from a plastics material by an appropriate moulding process.
The container in accordance with the present invention includes a container body 1 having a neck 2 as shown in Figure 1, preferably having a shoulder 3 on which the fixed member 4 seats and a further shoulder 5 upon which the inner member 6 seats. Interposed between the shoulders 3 and 5 is a ridge 7 having a facility to enable the clip fit engagement of the fixed member 4 thereto so as to inter-engage an internal annular groove 8 thereof (see Figure 2).
As can be seen from the assembly shown in Figure 9 the, inner member 6 is aligned with its top 10 adjacent the top 11 of the fixed member 4 and preferably with its skirt 12 adjacent the skirt 13 of the fixed member so as to prevent any tendency for a passage of any contents of the container therebetween. As shown in Figure 9, a port 14 of the fixed member 4 has been aligned in an open condition with a port 15 of the inner member 6. This bringing into and out of alignment is by means of a digit actuated rotation of the inner member 6 by engagement with the friction enhanced surface 16 thereof through an opening 17 of the fixed member 4. This can best be seen in Figure 1 and Figure 9. As can best be seen by reference to Figure 1 preferably a keyed anti-rotation inter- engagement 18 is provided between the fixed member 4 and the container body 1.
The exterior of the fixed member 4 includes external engagement means 19 which preferably is a constant pitch thread for inter-engaging with the corresponding internal thread 20 of the removable cap member 21 shown in Figure 6. The exterior of the fixed member 4 preferably carries graduations 22 (preferably in five gram increments) which by means of a physical inter-engagement with the bottom 23 of the removable cap 21 indicates the volume of powder or other contents of the container capable of being dispensed into the region 24.
The graduation 22 (see Figure 2) is on the fixed member 4 and thus is exteriorly viewable as to the volume being defined by reference to the bottom edge 23 of the skirt of the removable cap member 21. In other forms of the present invention, if the plastics member 4 is transparent the graduation could be provided on the skirt of the inner member 6 and perform much the same purpose. Conversely if, for example, the removable cap member 21 is transparent the graduation 22 could be provided thereon and it could be read by any appropriate indicator provided on the fixed member 4.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the method of operation of a dispensing assembly with its metering characteristics. The dose size is controlled by the preset volume which has been selected by an appropriate screwing or unscrewing of the removable cap member with reference to the graduation or graduations. It enables the filling of the reservoir region of the removable cap member (which preferably can be seen through the preferred transparent cap material) and then, after closure of the container, the removal of the cap member cupping the dispensed contents for, for example, addition into a washing machine or the like. Such a method has equal application to liquids as
well as powders though the measure of seal may be greater in relation to less viscous liquids.
Irrespective of whether or not liquids or powder is included the mode of operation is as follows: "1. invert the full container with the removable cap fully fitted and the rotating inner member in the closed position;
2. rotate the removable cap member anticlockwise until the desired graduation is exposed;
3. rotate the rotatable inner member to the open position (i.e. with aligned ports with those of the fixed member) and view the contents filling the cap (if the removable cap member is transparent);
4. once filled, take the aligned ports out of alignment by rotating the inner member; and
5. unscrew the removable cap fully and use the metered dose contained therein." It is believed that the outlet metering assembly in accordance with the present invention and a container using the same should find widespread acceptance in the dispensing of particularly powders.
Claims
1. A container for dispensable contents having an outlet metering assembly, said assembly comprising: a member (hereafter "fixed member") having a top and a skirt dependent from the top, said top having at least one port therethrough and said skirt having exterior engagement means adjacent and/or at the top end thereof, internal engagement means engaging the container body exteriorly of the outlet opening thereof at the other end and an opening or openings through the skirt; an inner member having at least one port therethrough, said inner member being rotatable, relative to said fixed member and the container body, about an axis substantially aligned with that of the fixed member to bring the at least one port of the inner member into and out of an open or closed relationship(s) with the at least one port of the top of said fixed member, said inner member when said at least one part is not aligned at least in part with the at least one part of the top of said fixed member providing a sufficient seal for preventing the contents of the container from passing through said fixed member port(s); and a removable cap member having internal engagement means engageable with the external engagement means of said fixed member to define a chamber of variable volume bounded by the outside of the fixed member top; the construction and arrangement being such that: the relative disposition of the ports are controllable by rotation of the inner member using a digit on the inner member through said opening or openings through the skirt of said fixed member; the external engagement means of the fixed member and the internal engagement means of the removable cap member allow the chamber defined between the top of said fixed member and the removable cap member to define, dependent on their interengagement which determines said volume, a volume of contents to be dispensed; and said fixed member [or inner member if the fixed member is transparent] (or cap member) has at least one viewable graduation indicative of that volume [or at least some marking(s) or profile(s) to a similar effect] by means of an interaction with the cap member (or, as the case may be, the fixed member [or inner member]); and such that when the container is inverted (or otherwise appropriately disposed) it is possible, with an appropriate alignment of said ports, to dispense at least some of the contents of the container into the removable cap member to fill said variable volume; whereafter, the ports can be brought into a mutual closing condition to enable the cap member to be removed while holding the dispensed material in a cup-like manner.
2. A container for dispensable contents having an outlet metering assembly, said assembly comprising: a member (hereafter "fixed member") having a top and a skirt dependent from the top, said top having at least one port therethrough and said skirt having exterior engagement means adjacent and/or at the top end thereof, internal engagement means engaging the container body exteriorly of the outlet opening thereof at the other end and an opening or openings through the skirt; an inner member having a top and a skirt dependent therefrom , said inner member top having at least one port therethrough and having the skirt thereof rotatable, relative to said fixed member and the container body, about its axis substantially aligned with that of the fixed member to bring the at least one port of the inner member into and out of an open or closed relationship(s) with the at least one port of the top of said fixed member, said inner member skirt being located within the skirt of said fixed member and providing a sufficient seal for preventing the contents of the container from passing between the respective skirts and through said fixed member port(s); and a removable cap member having internal engagement means engagement with the external engagement means of said fixed member to define a chamber of variable volume bounded by the outside of the fixed member top; the construction and arrangement being such that: the relative disposition of the ports are controllable by rotation of the inner member using a digit on the inner member through said opening or openings through the skirt of said fixed member; the external engagement means of the fixed member and the internal engagement means of the removable cap member allow the chamber defined between the top of said fixed member and the removable cap member to define, dependent on their interengagement which determines said volume, a volume of contents to be dispensed; and said fixed member [or inner member if the fixed member is transparent] (or cap member) has at least one viewable graduation indicative of that volume [or at least some marking(s) or profile(s) to a similar effect] by means of an interaction with the cap member (or, as the case may be, the fixed member [or inner member]); and such that when the container is inverted (or is otherwise appropriately disposed) it is possible, with an appropriate alignment of said ports, to dispense at least 5 some of the contents of the container into the removable cap member to fill said variable volume; whereafter, the ports can be brought into a mutual closing condition to enable the cap member to be removed while holding the dispensed material in a cup-like manner.
3. A container of claim 1 or 2 wherein the dispensable contents are a powder. 10
4. A container of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said exterior engagement means is of a thread type.
5. A container of any one of the preceding claims wherein said internal engagement means is a snap fit engagement means.
6. A container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the location of said inner member skirt 15 within the skirt of said fixed member and the provision of a sufficient seal results from seating the inner member skirt onto the container, seating the inner member skirt against the skirt of said fixed member and/or seating the top of the inner member against the inside top of said fixed member.
7. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said inner 20 member is a member having a top (in which there is said at least one port) and a skirt dependent therefrom.
8. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said internal engagement means of said removable cap member and the external engagement means of said fixed means are a screw thread interengagement means having a constant pitch.
25 9. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said fixed member is clip fit engageable about the container body outlet.
10. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the fixed member is provided with an internal groove to engage a clip fit shoulder about the outlet of said container body. 30
11. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein graduations are provided on said fixed member capable of being read by reference to the bottom of said removable cap member.
12. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an anti-rotation keyed inter engagement occurs between said fixed member and said container body.
13. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said inner member is provided with a grip enhancing region which is accessible for rotational purposes under the action of a digit. 5
14. An outlet metering assembly of a component, or the components of such an assembly, which when combined operatively with an appropriate container body having an outlet will provide a container as previously set forth.
15. A container with an outlet metering assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. 10 16. The use of a container in a method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BR9307211A BR9307211A (en) | 1992-10-07 | 1993-10-07 | Container for dispensable content and outlet dosing set for the same |
AU51202/93A AU682830B2 (en) | 1992-10-07 | 1993-10-07 | Outlet metering assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ244642 | 1992-10-07 | ||
NZ24464292A NZ244642A (en) | 1992-10-07 | 1992-10-07 | Container with graduated cap for dispensing metered doses of material |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1994007752A1 true WO1994007752A1 (en) | 1994-04-14 |
Family
ID=19924131
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/NZ1993/000092 WO1994007752A1 (en) | 1992-10-07 | 1993-10-07 | Outlet metering assembly |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU682830B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9307211A (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ244642A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1994007752A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0939036A1 (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 1999-09-01 | Unilever N.V. | Dispensing device |
Citations (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU1508628A (en) * | 1928-08-16 | 1929-05-07 | Rowland Sutton Bratton | Improvements in containers |
US1770576A (en) * | 1928-05-29 | 1930-07-15 | Leather Fitzherbert | Dispensing device for air-sealed cans |
US1959276A (en) * | 1933-08-30 | 1934-05-15 | John B Paardecamp | Container sealing and dispensing device |
US2356755A (en) * | 1941-01-16 | 1944-08-29 | Universag Tech A G | Dispenser for liquids |
US2393454A (en) * | 1944-04-05 | 1946-01-22 | Bailey Theodore | Sugar dispenser |
US2985343A (en) * | 1959-03-16 | 1961-05-23 | Mask Jerome | Measuring and dispensing device |
US3005578A (en) * | 1958-12-19 | 1961-10-24 | Mainicri Lena | Measuring attachment for a bottle neck |
US3006506A (en) * | 1959-10-27 | 1961-10-31 | Charles E Germano | Measuring and dispensing spout |
GB1224927A (en) * | 1967-08-29 | 1971-03-10 | Marjorie Adelle Kirkwoo Blumen | Device for use in dispensing measured quantities of granular or liquid material from containers |
EP0001411A1 (en) * | 1977-09-30 | 1979-04-18 | Hans J. Fabritius | Measuring dispenser |
EP0163109A2 (en) * | 1984-04-30 | 1985-12-04 | Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien | Dispensing device |
DE3912909A1 (en) * | 1989-04-20 | 1990-10-25 | Theodor Eistert | Powder dispenser - with scale markings on transparent furnace funnel on lid of box |
DE4200336A1 (en) * | 1992-01-09 | 1993-07-15 | Wella Ag | Dispenser of powdered material - contains transparent open tube with threaded connector on one end, conical other end, vane wheel closure device |
-
1992
- 1992-10-07 NZ NZ24464292A patent/NZ244642A/en unknown
-
1993
- 1993-10-07 WO PCT/NZ1993/000092 patent/WO1994007752A1/en active Application Filing
- 1993-10-07 AU AU51202/93A patent/AU682830B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-10-07 BR BR9307211A patent/BR9307211A/en unknown
Patent Citations (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1770576A (en) * | 1928-05-29 | 1930-07-15 | Leather Fitzherbert | Dispensing device for air-sealed cans |
AU1508628A (en) * | 1928-08-16 | 1929-05-07 | Rowland Sutton Bratton | Improvements in containers |
AU2853030A (en) * | 1930-09-01 | 1931-07-16 | Morris Jacob | Measuring and dispensing dev ce |
US1959276A (en) * | 1933-08-30 | 1934-05-15 | John B Paardecamp | Container sealing and dispensing device |
US2356755A (en) * | 1941-01-16 | 1944-08-29 | Universag Tech A G | Dispenser for liquids |
AU50641A (en) * | 1941-02-24 | 1942-06-04 | Frederick Welbore Roy | A machine for measuring and delivering predetermined quantities of granulated or powdered materials |
US2393454A (en) * | 1944-04-05 | 1946-01-22 | Bailey Theodore | Sugar dispenser |
AU2081753A (en) * | 1953-08-21 | 1954-08-19 | William Henry Hopwood | Improved device for metering granular or powdered material |
US3005578A (en) * | 1958-12-19 | 1961-10-24 | Mainicri Lena | Measuring attachment for a bottle neck |
US2985343A (en) * | 1959-03-16 | 1961-05-23 | Mask Jerome | Measuring and dispensing device |
US3006506A (en) * | 1959-10-27 | 1961-10-31 | Charles E Germano | Measuring and dispensing spout |
GB1224927A (en) * | 1967-08-29 | 1971-03-10 | Marjorie Adelle Kirkwoo Blumen | Device for use in dispensing measured quantities of granular or liquid material from containers |
EP0001411A1 (en) * | 1977-09-30 | 1979-04-18 | Hans J. Fabritius | Measuring dispenser |
EP0163109A2 (en) * | 1984-04-30 | 1985-12-04 | Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien | Dispensing device |
DE3912909A1 (en) * | 1989-04-20 | 1990-10-25 | Theodor Eistert | Powder dispenser - with scale markings on transparent furnace funnel on lid of box |
DE4200336A1 (en) * | 1992-01-09 | 1993-07-15 | Wella Ag | Dispenser of powdered material - contains transparent open tube with threaded connector on one end, conical other end, vane wheel closure device |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0939036A1 (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 1999-09-01 | Unilever N.V. | Dispensing device |
WO1999043568A1 (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 1999-09-02 | Unilever N.V. | Dispensing device |
US6179167B1 (en) | 1998-02-25 | 2001-01-30 | Diversey Lever, Inc. | Dispensing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NZ244642A (en) | 1996-07-26 |
AU682830B2 (en) | 1997-10-23 |
BR9307211A (en) | 1999-05-25 |
AU5120293A (en) | 1994-04-26 |
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