WO2010038047A2 - Emballage de distribution - Google Patents

Emballage de distribution Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010038047A2
WO2010038047A2 PCT/GB2009/050991 GB2009050991W WO2010038047A2 WO 2010038047 A2 WO2010038047 A2 WO 2010038047A2 GB 2009050991 W GB2009050991 W GB 2009050991W WO 2010038047 A2 WO2010038047 A2 WO 2010038047A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
piston
container
opening
user
food
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2009/050991
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2010038047A3 (fr
Inventor
Andrew Michael Wells
Original Assignee
Sucup Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0817848A external-priority patent/GB0817848D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0820095A external-priority patent/GB0820095D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0904488A external-priority patent/GB0904488D0/en
Application filed by Sucup Limited filed Critical Sucup Limited
Publication of WO2010038047A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010038047A2/fr
Publication of WO2010038047A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010038047A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/0005—Containers or packages provided with a piston or with a movable bottom or partition having approximately the same section as the container
    • B65D83/0027—Containers or packages provided with a piston or with a movable bottom or partition having approximately the same section as the container piston co-operating with a screw-thread in the side wall of the container
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J9/00—Feeding-bottles in general
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/082—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid disposed in a cold storage element not forming part of a container for products to be cooled, e.g. ice pack or gel accumulator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/082—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid disposed in a cold storage element not forming part of a container for products to be cooled, e.g. ice pack or gel accumulator
    • F25D2303/0822—Details of the element
    • F25D2303/08221—Fasteners or fixing means for the element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2303/00—Details of devices using other cold materials; Details of devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D2303/08—Devices using cold storage material, i.e. ice or other freezable liquid
    • F25D2303/084—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled
    • F25D2303/0845—Position of the cold storage material in relationship to a product to be cooled below the product
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D3/00—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies
    • F25D3/02—Devices using other cold materials; Devices using cold-storage bodies using ice, e.g. ice-boxes
    • F25D3/06—Movable containers
    • F25D3/08—Movable containers portable, i.e. adapted to be carried personally

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a dispensing container, for example a multi-use container-dispenser, and more specifically, although not exclusively, to reusable dispensing containers for dispensing food products, for example liquidized or semi-solid food stuffs such as ice-creams (in their frozen and melting states), baby foods having a paste-like or porridge-like consistency and/or to liquidized or semi-liquidized fruits or vegetables.
  • a dispensing container for example a multi-use container-dispenser
  • reusable dispensing containers for dispensing food products for example liquidized or semi-solid food stuffs such as ice-creams (in their frozen and melting states), baby foods having a paste-like or porridge-like consistency and/or to liquidized or semi-liquidized fruits or vegetables.
  • an individual portion of frozen / semi-frozen food product may be wrapped in a film of plastics material or a paper based wrapper that can be torn open by a consumer at the point of sale or when removed from a home freezer unit.
  • the wrapper is partially opened and used to hold the food when being consumed, for example choc-ices, or the product is mounted on a stick and the wrapper is discarded before eating.
  • the ice-cream begins to melt during eating it often flows downwards onto the consumers hands making them very sticky.
  • One known ice-lolly confectionery comprises a tapered tubular container comprising a cardboard substrate that is coated with a plastics material on its inner face.
  • the container is closed at one end and has an opening at its opposite end. The open end is sealed with a removable cover.
  • the seal is removed and the user squeezes the tubing to push the confectionery out of the container so that it can be consumed.
  • a problem with this type of container is that the user needs to apply manual pressure to the container during eating to prevent the ice-lolly from slipping back into the tube. If a user squeezes too hard the ice-lolly may slide out of the container and fall onto the floor.
  • FIG. 1 Another form of known container is the so called “push-up" container.
  • This type of container comprises a squat tubular body having a large diameter and short length that includes a plunger arranged to move within the body. The consumer holds the tubular body in one hand and pushes the food product out of the container from below with the plunger. Again, two hands are required to operate this type of device.
  • Another drawback is that prior to consumption, the plunger is located at one end of the tubular body and its handle protrudes a significant distance out of the tube. This makes it an inefficient design for packing and transportation.
  • WO2007/000577 seeks to address these issues by providing a dispensing container which includes a hollow body having an opening and a piston located within the body, wherein the container is constructed and arranged such that, in use, the piston moves within the body in response to a consumer sucking the food from the container via the opening.
  • the piston includes two sealing barriers provided either by two separate seal members or by a spiral-shaped protrusion which provides the sealing barriers.
  • a dispensing container for example a multi-use dispensing container, for storing and dispensing semi-solid foods
  • the container comprising a hollow body having an opening and a piston slideably received within the body and movable therealong toward the opening in response to a sucking action applied by a user to the opening, e.g. the piston being configured and/or sized and dimensioned to be movable in response to the sucking action, wherein the piston includes a grasping means or element for a user to grasp and pull, in use, in order to remove the piston from the container.
  • a grasping means or element facilitates disassembly of the container for cleaning, thus providing a dispensing container suitable for use over and over again.
  • the grasping means or element is preferably a formation which may be located on a side of the piston which is accessible from the or a further opening.
  • the grasping formation may comprise a protrusion or tab, e.g. a grasping tab, on an outer surface of the piston and/or a depression on or in the piston.
  • the grasping formation may comprise or incorporate an engaging portion for engagement with a user's finger or hand in use, for example the engaging portion may comprise a surface with one or more protrusions or a raised hatched pattern or a ledge, e.g. an engaging ledge.
  • the grasping means or element may comprise an elongate member which may be flexible, for example a string or a corrugated member.
  • the corrugated member may comprise locating means, for example a plurality of holes, e.g. through each corrugation, which may cooperate with a further locating means of the container, for example a protrusion, which locating means may be in or on a base of the container or body.
  • the piston may comprise a plastics material, for example a rigid or flexible plastics material.
  • the opening is at least partially defined by or within a spout and/or may be incorporated within a spout member.
  • the spout member may be releasably engageable with the body, for example wherein removal of the spout member, in use, permits a user to grasp and pull the grasping means or element and/or to remove the piston from the container.
  • the spout member and the body are releasably engageable by engaging means, for example a screw thread or snap on fitting such as an undersized rim or step of one of the spout member and the body which engages a lip of the other of the spout member and the body.
  • engaging means for example a screw thread or snap on fitting such as an undersized rim or step of one of the spout member and the body which engages a lip of the other of the spout member and the body.
  • the container comprises a closure or cap for closing the opening, e.g. which fits over the spout and/or which engages the spout member.
  • the closure may comprise a ring which may be connected or secured to the spout member and/or a cap member which is configured to fit over the spout and/or cover the opening and/or sealingly engage the spout or the spout member.
  • the container may also comprise a separate or an integrally moulded base, which base may include a recess and/or one or more apertures, e.g. venting apertures, which may be located on a boss extending inwardly of the container.
  • the recess may define a sump, e.g. for collecting food which leaks past the piston. Where the base is separate, it may be releasable or detachable, e.g. fastened, connected or secured, for example sealingly fastened, connected or secured, in use, to the body.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a dispensing container, for example a multi-use dispensing container, for storing and dispensing semi-solid foods, the container comprising a hollow body having an opening and a piston slideably received within the body and movable therealong toward the opening in response to a sucking action applied by a user to the opening, wherein the body comprises a base with a recess which defines a sump for collecting food which leaks past the piston.
  • the container and/or spout member may include one or more gripping formations thereon, e.g. depressions, projections, protrusions or nodules, for example for facilitating gripping and/or holding of the container and/or spout member by a user in use.
  • the piston may comprise one or more, preferably two or more, for example three or more, sealing or scraping barriers, for example configured to seal or scrape, in use, against an interior surface of the body, e.g. to inhibit leakage of food contained within a varying volume of a reservoir defined between the piston, the interior surface and the opening or spout.
  • a third aspect of the invention provides a dispensing container for storing and dispensing semi-solid foods, the container comprising a hollow body having an opening and a piston slideably received within the body and movable therealong toward the opening in response to a sucking action applied by a user to the opening, wherein the piston includes three or more sealing or scraping barriers configured to seal or scrape, in use, against an interior surface of the body to inhibit leakage of the food contained within a varying volume of the reservoir defined between the piston, the interior surface and the opening.
  • the inventor has found that providing three or more barriers provides a surprisingly improved seal or scraping action over the container of WO2007/000577.
  • This arrangement is particularly suited for hollow bodies which are extruded since the provision of three barriers appears to mitigate the inherent variability of component size and shape which is associated with the extrusion process. This is done by ensuring that at least two barriers are in contact with the body at any given time, thereby ensuring an effective seal.
  • the sealing or scraping barriers are preferably provided by one or more formations, for example protrusions or seal members which may be formed integrally with the piston or provided as initially separate seal or scraper members which cooperate or are received in and/or retained and/or secured to the piston.
  • the seal or scraper member may comprise ring of material which may be flexible, e.g. an elastomeric material, such as an o-ring seal, which may have a circular or square or rectangular cross section through its thickness.
  • the seal or scraper member may comprise a sharp corner and/or a ring of rigid material.
  • the piston comprises at least two rigid or semi-rigid parts with a flexible, e.g. elastomeric, sealing or scraping material and/or layer therebetween.
  • the piston parts may be adjustably connected together, for example by an adjustable fastener, e.g. wherein the fastener is adjustable or tightenable, in use, to compress the sealing or scraping material, e.g. thereby to increase the extent to which the sealing or scraping material protrudes from the piston.
  • the piston may also comprise a handle.
  • the container may be configured to draw, in use, semi-solid food in through the opening by pulling the piston away from the opening using the handle, e.g. thereby increasing the volume of a reservoir defined between the piston the interior surface and the opening and drawing the food therein.
  • a fourth aspect of the invention provides a dispensing container for storing and dispensing semi-solid foods, the container comprising a hollow body having an opening, a piston slideably received within the body and movable therealong toward the opening in response to a sucking action applied by a user to the opening and a handle connected or connectable to the piston, wherein the container is configured to draw, in use, semi-solid food in through the opening by pulling the piston away from the opening using the handle, thereby increasing the volume reservoir defined between the piston the interior surface and the opening and drawing the food therein.
  • the handle is preferably removably connected or connectable to the piston, for example using a bayonet connection, e.g. a resiliently biased bayonet connection, or a threaded connection.
  • the handle preferably includes a gripping portion, for example one or more flanges, to facilitate gripping.
  • the hollow body may be elongate and/or include a second opening which could be on the opposite side or at the opposite end to the opening.
  • the handle may extend, in use, from the piston through the second opening, e.g. to allow the user to pull the handle thereby causing the piston to be pulled away from the first opening.
  • the handle may also function as the grasping means or element.
  • the container e.g. the base of the container, may comprise a port for connection with a pump, e.g. via a connection means such as a connector or coupling.
  • the container may further comprise or be provided in combination with a pump, which pump may be operable to at least cause controlled movement of the piston toward the opening, e.g. to expel, in use, food contained within a varying volume reservoir defined between the piston the interior surface and the opening and/or the pump may be operable to at least cause controlled movement of the piston away from the opening, e.g. to draw, in use, semi-solid food in through the opening, thereby increasing the volume of a reservoir defined between the piston the interior surface and the opening and drawing the food therein.
  • a fifth aspect of the invention provides a dispensing container for storing and dispensing semi-solid foods, the container comprising a hollow body having an opening, a piston slideably received within the body and movable therealong toward and away from the opening and a pump operable to cause controlled movement of the piston: i) toward the opening to expel, in use, food contained within a varying volume reservoir defined between the piston the interior surface and the opening; and/or ii) away from the opening to draw, in use, semi-solid food in through the opening, thereby increasing the volume of a reservoir defined between the piston the interior surface and the opening and drawing the food therein.
  • the pump may comprise a vacuum pump and may be reversible, e.g. it may be operable to cause controlled movement of the piston away from and/or toward the opening and/or may comprise at least one pipe for connection with one or more containers, for example two or more containers, e.g. via the aforementioned port in the container or base.
  • the container may include a control switch or button for activating the pump which may be actuated, in use, automatically.
  • the control switch or button may be located and/or configured such that it is actuated by or when the opening is adjacent or received within the mouth of a user, e.g. the control switch or button may be actuated by the face and/or nose of the user.
  • the container may include a safety switch or button arranged to prevent or allow operation of the pump.
  • the safety switch or button may be located and/or configured such that it is actuated by or when the opening is adjacent or received within the mouth of a user, e.g. the safety switch or button may be actuated by the face and/or nose of the user.
  • the container includes a control switch or button and a safety switch or button, whereby the control switch or button is only operable to operate the pump when the safety switch or button has been actuated.
  • the safety switch or button is preferably located and/or configured such that it is actuated by or when the opening is adjacent or received within the mouth of a user, e.g. the safety switch or button may be actuated by the face and/or nose of the user, and the control switch or button is preferably located on the pump and/or arranged to be activated by a hand or finger or thumb of the or a consumer or user, e.g. a caretaker.
  • the piston may include a protrusion configured to contact, in use, the tongue of a user when the piston is adjacent the opening.
  • a sixth aspect of the invention provides a dispensing container for storing and dispensing semi-solid foods, the container comprising a hollow body having an opening and a piston slideably received within the body and movable therealong toward the opening in response to a sucking action applied by a user to the opening, wherein the piston includes a protrusion configured to contact, in use, the tongue of a user when the piston is adjacent the opening.
  • the protrusion is preferably elongate, for example a long rod extending upwardly from the piston which more preferably extends through the opening when the container is empty or nearly empty.
  • the protrusion also functions as the grasping means or element.
  • a seventh aspect of the invention provides a multi-use container-dispenser for storing, in use, and then dispensing, in use, at least one of a liquid or semi-solid food or medicament
  • the multi-use container-dispenser comprising: a hollow body portion having an interior surface, a first end and a second end; a cap coupled to the first end, the cap including an opening configured to allow the food or medicament to be drawn therethrough by action of sucking by a consumer or user; a piston reciprocally movable within the hollow body portion, the piston arranged to support the production of a seal against the interior surface, the piston moveable under the action of sucking by the consumer or user, wherein the piston, the interior surface and the cap define a reservoir having a varying volume for storing, in use, the liquid or semi-solid food or medicament; a closure element having an inner end surface, the closure element coupled to the second end; and one of either: i) an upwardly projecting step extending upwardly from the inner end surface of the closure element, the
  • the closure element may further include a base and a circumferential wall and wherein the step is realized by a continuous ring of material, the base, the circumferential wall and the continuous ring of material defining a sump.
  • the closure element may further include an air hole.
  • the air hole may be located within in the step of the closure element.
  • the multi-use container-dispenser may further comprise a pull-back member securely attached to the piston.
  • the pull-back member may also be coupled to the closure element.
  • the pull-back member may be collapsible.
  • One of the cap and the closure element may be integrally formed with the hollow body.
  • the piston may include an upper surface on which is formed a mouthpiece seal.
  • the container-dispenser may further comprise a pump located behind the piston and the pump may be arranged to at least assist with movement of the piston to expel, in use, foodstuff from the reservoir.
  • the pump may be arranged to effect pull-back of the piston.
  • the pump may be located in a lower housing separable from an upper housing and the upper housing may include the hollow body portion, the cap and the piston.
  • the cap may include a flexible straw.
  • the piston may include a flange seal integrally formed into a sidewall of the piston.
  • An eighth aspect of the invention provides a method of filling a multi-use container- dispenser with at least one of a liquid or semi-solid food or medicament
  • the multi-use container-dispenser comprising: i) a hollow body portion having an interior surface, a first end and a second end; ii) a cap coupled to the first end, the cap including an opening configured to allow the food or medicament to be drawn therethrough by action of sucking by a consumer or user; iii) a piston reciprocally movable within the hollow body portion, the piston arranged to support the production of a seal against the interior surface, the piston moveable under the action of sucking by the consumer or user, wherein the piston, the interior surface and the cap define a reservoir having a varying volume for storing, in use, the liquid or semi-solid food or medicament; and iv) a closure element coupled to the second end, the closure element including an upwardly projecting step that defines a datum; the method comprising: locating the piston against the datum to orient
  • the filling of the reservoir may be such that it requires removal of the cap.
  • a ninth aspect of the invention provides a multi-use container for storing and discharging, in use, at least one of a liquid or semi-solid food or medicament
  • the multi-use container comprising: a hollow body portion having an interior surface, a first end and a second end; a mouthpiece at the first end, the mouthpiece dimensioned to allow the food or medicament to be drawn therethrough by action of sucking by a consumer or user on the mouthpiece; a piston reciprocally movable within the hollow body portion, the piston arranged to support the production of a seal against the interior surface, the piston moveable under the action of sucking by the consumer or user, wherein the piston, the interior surface and the first end define a reservoir having a varying volume for storing, in use, the liquid or semi-solid food or medicament; and a datum ledge located proximate to the second end, the datum ledge defining a reference orientation and position for the piston such that, upon contact therewith, the piston is orientated and positioned within the hollow body to affect the seal
  • the datum ledge may be formed in one of: a) an interior surface of the hollow body portion; and b) an end cap.
  • the end cap may be detachable from the hollow body portion.
  • the end cap may include an upwardly projecting ring having an upper surface defining the datum ledge.
  • a tenth aspect of the invention provides a piston for dispensing food products from a hollow food container, the piston comprising a grasping means or element for a user to grasp and pull, in use, in order to remove the piston from the container.
  • the piston may be formed as a ring having an upper surface for contacting, in use, food product and/or a lower surface to which there is attached a collapsible pull-back member.
  • the piston may further comprise a downward step formed integrally with and extending from the lower surface, the step including an edge that defines a datum to affect, in use, position of the piston.
  • the upper surface is contoured, the upper surface including angled shoulders.
  • An eleventh aspect of the invention provides a multi-use container-dispenser for storing, in use, and then dispensing, in use, at least one of a liquid or semi-solid food or medicament
  • the multi-use container-dispenser comprising an upper housing and a lower housing separable from the lower housing, wherein: the upper housing includes: a hollow body portion having an interior surface, a first end and a second end; a cap coupled to the first end, the cap including an opening configured to allow the food or medicament to be drawn therethrough; a piston reciprocally movable within the hollow body portion, the piston arranged to support the production of a seal against the interior surface, the piston, the interior surface and the cap defining a reservoir having a varying volume for storing, in use, the liquid or semi-solid food or medicament; and the lower housing including: a pump arranged to at least cause controlled movement of the piston towards the opening to expel, in use, foodstuff from the reservoir; and an upwardly projecting step extending upwardly to define a
  • the present invention provides a multi-use container that is simple in both operation and construction.
  • the self-aligning and leveling mechanism (or “starter”) for the retractable piston ensures that foodstuffs (including liquids and semi-solids) are generally retained in a food reservoir defined between the inner walls of the container, the piston and an egress point or opening, e.g. a shaped mouthpiece.
  • the container of the preferred embodiments is thus particularly susceptible for use by both young children/babies and the infirm, since (at least) semi-solid food with particulates can be easily loaded into and sucked from the container's food reservoir by these groups of people.
  • the container can be used to store repeatedly and dispense more conventional foods, e.g. ice-cream or yoghurt, to any individual in the general population capable of being able to suck the foodstuff and piston along the body/food reservoir of the container.
  • more conventional foods e.g. ice-cream or yoghurt
  • the overall part count is small and the majority of parts simply formed and produced from conventional processes, including minor changes to existing tooling. Consequently, overall manufacturing costs are small and comparable with existing designs, notwithstanding that the present invention provides greater flexibility across a wider range of food and drinks based applications, including the delivery of medicaments and nutritionally balanced meals.
  • the container may further comprise a cooling means, for example a cooling pack or bag which may include ice or a gel, e.g. for cooling the contents of the container.
  • a cooling means for example a cooling pack or bag which may include ice or a gel, e.g. for cooling the contents of the container.
  • the piston may comprise a recess or depression or compartment for receiving the cooling means.
  • the piston may comprise a hollow piston which receives the cooling means.
  • the container according to the present invention is produced to have a greater robustness to permit its cleaning and re-use. Consequently, as will be readily understood, the selected plastics are chosen for the heat resistance, strength and rigidity qualities for holding foodstuffs that can withstand storage temperatures of as low as about -4O 0 C and food re-heat temperatures of in excess of about 14O 0 C. Preferably, the plastics materials permit heating through microwave energy. Of course, other materials such as stainless steel could be used for some or all of the components of the various embodiments of the invention.
  • aspects of the invention provide a handle for use in the fourth aspect of the invention and/or a pump for use in the fifth aspect of the invention.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of filling with semi-solid food a dispensing container of the kind having a hollow body with an opening, a piston slideably received within the body and movable therealong toward the opening in response to a sucking action applied by a user to the opening, the method comprising the steps of: i) inserting a plunger into the hollow body such that it sealingly engages the body and is in abutment with the piston; and ii) drawing semi-solid food in through the opening by pulling the plunger away from the opening, thereby pulling the piston away from the opening and increasing the volume of a reservoir defined between the piston the interior surface and the opening and drawing the food therein.
  • a yet further aspect of the invention provides a removable plunger for use in the aforementioned method.
  • the plunger may include a handle, for example a similar handle to that described above.
  • kits of parts including any number of novel combinations of elements which will be apparent to those skilled in the art either by virtue of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings or by virtue of the specific embodiments discussed or described herein.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing container according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 but with the closure in an open condition
  • Figure 3 is an exploded view of the container of Figures 1 and 2;
  • Figure 4 is a top view of the container of Figures 1 to 3;
  • Figure 5 is a section view along line A-A of Figure 4 shown in a filled condition and with an optional cold pack beneath the piston;
  • Figure 6 is a section view along line B-B of Figure 4 shown in an empty condition and with the cold pack removed;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of a dispensing container according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 8 illustrates the dispensing container of Figure 7 being filled using a removable plunger with a handle;
  • Figure 9 illustrates the dispensing container of Figures 7 and 8 with a pump fitted to the body
  • Figure 10 illustrates a dispensing container similar to that of Figures 7 to 9 but wherein the piston is provided with a grasping element in the form of a string;
  • Figure 1 1 illustrates a dispensing container similar to that of Figures 7 to 9 but wherein the piston is provided with a grasping element in the form of a corrugated member;
  • Figure 12 illustrates a dispensing container similar to that of Figure 1 1 but wherein the corrugated member comprises locating holes;
  • Figure 13 illustrates a dispensing container similar to that of Figure 12 with alternative engagement means for the spout member and for the base;
  • Figure 14 illustrates the body and piston of the dispensing container of Figure 13 in combination with a cleaning tool
  • Figures 15 and 16 illustrate dispensing containers according to the invention with different shapes
  • Figures 17 and 18 are partial side views of a dispensing container with a removable straw element.
  • Figure 19 illustrates various piston designs according to the invention.
  • the container 1 for storing and dispensing semi-solid foods 2.
  • the container 1 includes a hollow body 3, a piston 4 slideably received within the body 3, a base 5 which is formed integrally with the body 3 and a spout member 6 sealingly engaged to the top of the body 3.
  • the body 3 is substantially cylindrical in shape with an open top 30 and includes a plurality of gripping formations 31 in the form of part-spherical protrusions 31 along its outer circumferential surface and an engaging formation in the form of an external helical protrusion or thread 32 on an upper portion of its outer circumferential surface.
  • the base 5 is substantially flat and includes a protruding formation 50 formed in the centre of the base wall 5, which protruding formation 50 includes four small venting apertures 51 for permitting the passage of air therethrough.
  • the body 3 may advantageously be injection moulded and may be formed of polypropylene, in which case it will be appreciated that the body 3 includes a small draft angle for manufacturability.
  • the spout member 6 includes a hollow cylindrical base portion 60 and a spout 61 extending upwardly therefrom, both of which are formed of a flexible plastics material, and a cap 62 which engages the spout 61.
  • the base portion 60 includes an internal thread 63 on its inner circumferential surface and a plurality of gripping depressions 64 about its outer circumferential surface.
  • the spout 61 is substantially in the form of a hollow cone which blends a hollow cylindrical bottom 61a to an oval shaped opening 65 at its top end.
  • the cap 62 includes a ring portion 66 which engages a lower portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical bottom 61 a of the spout 61 and is connected to a hemispherical closure portion 67 by a hinge 68.
  • the closure portion 67 includes a flip tab 69 and engaging projections 67a which releasably engage by interference fit an upper portion of the outer surface of the cylindrical bottom 61 a of the spout 61 to releasably close the opening 65.
  • the spout member 6 in this embodiment is formed of polypropylene overmoulded with an elastomeric material about the outer circumferential surface of the base portion 60.
  • the piston 4 in this embodiment includes a hollow cylindrical side wall 40 with a closed top 41 and an open bottom and includes a grasping element 42 protruding from the top 41 and two sealing formations 43a, 43b protruding from the sidewall 40.
  • the grasping element 42 is in the form of a flat tab with a rounded top and it protrudes from the centre of the top 41.
  • Each sealing formation 43a, 43b is in the form of a circular flange or scraper extending from the circumferential outer surface of the sidewall 40, one of which is adjacent the top 41 and the other being adjacent the bottom of the piston 4.
  • the container 1 also includes a cooling pack 44 containing ice for preserving the food 2.
  • the cooling pack 44 fits loosely within the hollow piston 4 as shown in Figure 5.
  • the piston 4 in this embodiment is formed of polypropylene overmoulded with an elastomeric material to provide the sealing formations 43a, 43b.
  • the piston 4 is slideably received with the body 3 with the top 41 uppermost such that the grasping element 42 is accessible from the open top of the body 3 to permit a user (not shown) to grasp and pull, in use, the grasping element 42 to remove the piston 4 from the body 3 of the container 1.
  • the closure portion 67 is engaged with the spout 61 and the internal thread 62 of the spout member 6 is engaged with the external thread 32 of the body 3 as shown more clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the container 1 is substantially hermetically sealed.
  • a user removes the closure portion 67 of the cap 62 using the flip tab 69 places his or her mouth around the spout 61 and sucks the semi-solid food 2 through the opening 65.
  • This sucking action causes a pressure differential or vacuum which forces the piston 4 to slide within and along the body 3 toward the opening 65, thereby reducing the volume of a food-containing reservoir defined between the piston 4, the interior surface of the body 3 and the opening 65 effectively pushing the food 2 toward and out of the opening 65.
  • the sealing formations 43a, 43b inhibit leakage of the food 2 and ensure an effective seal is maintained within the reservoir throughout this process.
  • the lower portion of the container 1 immediately above the base 5 defines a sump for collecting any food 2 that escapes through the sealing formations 43a, 43b and protruding formation 50 prevents leakage of such food 2 through the apertures 51.
  • the spout member 6 When the food 2 has been consumed by the user (not shown), the spout member 6 is removed by unscrewing it from the body 3, the piston 4 is removed using the grasping element 42, the cooling pack 44 is removed and all components are cleaned and sterilised as required.
  • the cooling pack 44 In order to reassemble and fill the container 1 , the cooling pack 44 is first inserted into the body 3, followed by the piston with its top 41 uppermost until it abuts the base 5 and the cooling pack 44 is received within the piston 4. Semi-solid food is then poured into the container 1 through the open top of the body 3 until it reaches the level shown in Figure 5. The spout member 6 is then screwed onto the body 3 such that their respective threads 32, 63 are engaged and the closure portion 67 of the cap 62 engages the cylindrical bottom 61 a of the spout 61.
  • the container 100 includes a tubular body 103 with an open top and bottom, a detachable base 105 with a port 151 releasably connected to the bottom end of the body 103 and a spout member 106 with a circular opening 165 at the top end of the body 103.
  • the piston 104 in this embodiment is movable within the body 103 toward and away from the opening 165 to vary the volume of a reservoir defined between the piston 104, the interior surface of the body 103 and the opening 165.
  • the hollow body 103 is in the form of a hollow cylinder and is formed of a transparent plastics material in this embodiment. This allows the consumer or user to check occasionally how much food 2 remains in the reservoir at any given time.
  • the piston 104 is also cylindrical in shape with an external diameter that is smaller than the internal diameter of the hollow body 103 so that it may freely slide therein.
  • the piston 104 also includes three sealing or scraping barriers 143 about the circumferential periphery of its side wall 140, which barriers 143 are configured to seal and/or scrape against an interior surface of the body to inhibit leakage of the food 2 during dispensing.
  • the barriers 143 are provided by rings formed integrally with the body of the piston 104 in this embodiment and which are sufficiently flexible to scrape and seal against the internal surface of the body 103.
  • the piston 104 also includes an elongate protrusion 142 extending upwardly from the top 141 thereof.
  • the protrusion 142 includes an inverse conical head portion 142a which extends through the opening 165 to contact the tongue of a user when the piston 104 is in its uppermost position, i.e. when the reservoir is empty or nearly empty.
  • the base 105 is circular in plan and includes a recess in an upper portion thereof which receives and retains the first end of the body 103 by an interference fit and also serves as a sump for the reasons described above.
  • the base 105 also includes a lower surface which is flat for resting on a substrate (not shown) when the container 100 is not in use.
  • the spout member 106 is also circular in plan and includes a recess 162 in a lower portion 160 thereof which receives and retains the second end of the body 103 by an interference fit and a spout 161 which includes the circular opening 165.
  • a user In use and with the reservoir filled with food 2, a user applies his or her lips around the spout 161. A sucking action applied by a user to the opening causes the piston 104 to move toward the opening 165 and to urge the food 2 out of the opening and into the user's mouth (not shown). As the food 2 is urged through the opening 165, the barriers
  • the container 100 also includes a removable plunger 144 with a handle 107.
  • the removable plunger 144 is sized and dimensioned to sealingly engage the body 103 when it is slidingly received therein.
  • the handle 107 includes an elongate shaft 170 with a pair of opposed transverse flanges 171a, 171 b at a first end 172 thereof and be connected or secured to the plunger 144 at its other end 174. With the base 105 removed, the plunger 144 may be inserted into the body 103 adjacent the underside of the piston 104.
  • a user inserts the piston 104 and plunger 144 into an empty body 103 in an abutting relationship and urges them both to a position adjacent the opening 165 of the cap 106.
  • the user then submerges the opening 165 within semi-solid food 2 contained within a bowl 108, grips the flanges 171a, 171 b of the handle 107 and pulls the handle 107 and plunger 144 along with the piston 104 to create a pressure differential, e.g. a vacuum, between the piston 104 and plunger 144 as well as within the reservoir, thereby drawing the food 2 into the reservoir.
  • a pressure differential e.g. a vacuum
  • this provides a reliable means of filling the container 100 whilst ensuring that it is not overfilled, for example if the piston 104 were connected directly to the handle 107 and/or pulled thereby in which case the piston 104 could be pulled too far.
  • the base 105 is then replaced and the dispensing container may be used by a user as described above.
  • the container 100 may be provided with a pump 109 to assist with the removal of food 2 from the reservoir. This may be particularly useful where, for example, the user is elderly and unable to create sufficient suction to draw the food 2 out of the container 100.
  • the pump 109 is a vane pump powered by an electric motor in this embodiment.
  • the pump 109 includes a control button 190, a safety switch 191 , an interface portion 192 and an inlet/outlet 193. With the base 105 removed, the interface portion 192 is arranged to be received within the first end of the body 103 in an interference fit relationship.
  • the safety switch 191 includes an elongate tube 194 with a safety button 195 resiliently urged upwardly to its open position and an elongate lever 196 pivotally mounted adjacent the safety button 195 and extending away from the spout 161.
  • the lever 196 rests against the safety button 195 and is operable to depress the safety button 195 to a closed position.
  • the safety button 195 is electrically connected to the control button 190 by a wire 197 which extends through the tube 194 and into the housing of the pump 109.
  • the electrical connection is configured such that when the safety button 195 is depressed, the circuit between the control button 190 and the motor (not shown) is closed. This allows the pump 109 to be activated by depressing the control button 190.
  • a user places his or her mouth around the spout 161 such that his or her nose actuates the lever 196, thereby actuating the safety button 195.
  • the user (not shown) or a further user, e.g. a caretaker (not shown), may then depress the control button 190, thereby activating the pump 109.
  • the pump 109 introduces pressurised air into the body 103 on the other side of the piston 104 to the food 2. This causes controlled movement of the piston 104 toward the opening 165 to expel the food 2 contained within the reservoir.
  • the pump 109 in this embodiment is also reversible by virtue of a switch (not shown), wherein it may be used as a vacuum pump to remove air from the body 103 on the other side of the piston 104 to the food 2. This is particularly useful as an alternative to the handle 107 for filling the container 100, which would be done in a similar manner as described above but for the use of the reversible pump 109 in place of the manual handle 107.
  • Figure 10 shows a dispensing container 200 according to a third embodiment of the invention which is similar to the first and second embodiments, wherein like references depict like features which will not be described further.
  • the container 200 according to this embodiment includes a grasping element in the form of a string 242 secured at one end to the piston 104, wherein the base 105 may be detached from the body 103 and the piston 104 removed through the bottom of the body 103 by pulling the string 242.
  • the string 242 may conveniently be fed through the port 151 and function as a pull-back member for retracting but not removing the piston within the body 103, e.g. where the container 200 is to be refilled and/or reused prior to cleaning.
  • FIG 11 shows a dispensing container 300 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention which is similar to the third embodiment, wherein like references depict like features which will not be described further.
  • the container 300 according to this embodiment includes a grasping element or pull-back member in the form of a corrugated plastics member 342 secured at one end to the piston 104, wherein the base 105 may be detached from the body 103 and the piston 104 removed through the bottom of the body 103 by pulling the corrugated member 342.
  • FIGs 12 and 13 show, respectively, dispensing containers 400, 500 according to fifth and sixth embodiments of the invention which are similar to the third and fourth embodiments, wherein like references depict like features which will not be described further.
  • the containers 400, 500 according to these embodiments include a grasping element or pull-back member in the form of a corrugated member 442 similar to that of the fourth embodiment.
  • the corrugated member 442 according to these embodiments include an aperture 442a in each corrugation and is secured at one end to the piston 104, 504 and at the other end to the protruding formation 50 in the detachable base 105, 505.
  • the base 105 is removed and pulled to the extent required.
  • the apertures 442a of each corrugation locate on the protruding formation 50.
  • the dispensing container 500 also differs from the aforementioned containers 200, 300, 400 in that the base 505 is connected to the body 503 by threaded engagement and the spout member 506 is connected to the body 503 by a snap fit between a lip 530 of the body 503 and a corresponding recess 560 in the spout member 506.
  • the upper portion of the body 503 also tapers inwardly which limits the internal diameter of the body 503, the piston 504 having correspondingly shaped shoulders which provides a means of registration between the piston 504 and the body 503.
  • Figure 14 also shows a cleaning tool 542 which includes a shaft 542a with bristles 542b extending laterally from one end thereof.
  • the cleaning tool 542 is inserted therein and rotated as required. Where the corrugated member 442 is omitted from the dispensing container 500, the cleaning tool 542 may also be used to push the piston 504 out through the bottom of the body 3.
  • Figure 15 shows a dispensing container 600 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • This container 600 includes a body 603 having an oval cross-section (not shown) and includes a cap 662 with a closure portion 667 having substantially the same outer dimensions as the body 603.
  • Figure 16 shows a dispensing container according to yet another embodiment of the invention with a body 703 having a rectangular cross-section (not shown) and which body 703 tapers toward the spout.
  • Figures 17 and 18 show a dispensing container 800 according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • the spout member 806 in this embodiment includes an elongate straw 867b.
  • the spout 861 has external threads 861 a which cooperate with internal threads (not shown) of an interface member 867a to provide a sealed connection between the straw 867b and the spout 861.
  • the spout member 806 also includes a C-clip 867 for clipping the free end of the straw 867b as shown in Figure 18 when the container 800 is not in use.
  • Figure 19a shows a further embodiment of the piston 204, which is similar to the pistons 4, 104 described above but for the domed shape of the top 241 of the piston 204 and the replacement of the separate sealing elements 43a, 43b, 143 with a single helical protrusion 243 extending about its circumferential wall 240.
  • the domed shape of the top 241 is used to minimise the quantity of food 2 remaining in the container 1 , 100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 700, 800 when the piston 204 is at its uppermost position.
  • the helical protrusion 243 of the piston 204 provides the three barriers 243 which are configured to seal or scrape against an interior surface of the body to inhibit leakage of the food 2 during dispensing.
  • Figure 19b shows another embodiment of the piston 304 which includes a stack of six rigid or semi-rigid parts 340 and five elastomeric sealing discs 343, wherein each sealing disc 343 is sandwiched between adjacent piston parts 340.
  • the stack of components 340, 343 are fastened together using an adhesive.
  • Figure 19c shows yet another embodiment of the piston 404 which includes two rigid or semi-rigid parts 440a, 440b with an elastomeric sealing disc or cylinder 443 therebetween.
  • the piston parts 440a, 440b are connected together by a bolt 440 which extends through the two parts 440a, 440b and engages a nut (not shown).
  • the bolt 440 may be tightened, in use, to bring the parts 440a, 440b together to compress the sealing disc 443, thereby increasing the extent to which the sealing disc 443 protrudes from the piston 404. This permits the extent of the interference fit between the piston 404 and the body 3, 103, 503 to be adjusted, thereby permitting a user to achieve the optimum balance between an effective seal and the magnitude of suction required to advance the piston 404.
  • the spout 61 may be replaced with a nipple or teat, e.g. where the contents to be dispensed comprise a liquid such as milk.
  • the grasping element 42 may incorporate an engaging portion for engagement with a user's finger or hand in use, for example the major surfaces of the tab 42 may include one or more protrusions or a raised hatched pattern or a ledge, e.g. an engaging ledge.
  • the grasping element 42 may be replaced with a depression or recess, e.g. having an internal ledge for engagement with a user's finger.
  • the grasping means or element or pull-back member may take any number of different forms including, for example, a thread, spiralled cord, a spring or a flat concertinaed belt or plastic ring and/or may be made from a variety of materials, although it is preferable that the material is strong and easy to clean, e.g. nylon or another plastics material.
  • the hollow body 3, 103 may take any form suitable for carrying out the necessary function and need not be in the form of a cylinder. It could have, e.g., a square, rectangular or triangular cross-section, provided that the piston 4, 104 has a shape with complements that of the body 3, 103 or at least allows it to function as described herein and/or as claimed.
  • the sealing or scraping barriers 43a, 43b, 143 may be provided as initially separate seal or scraper members which are received in and/or retained and/or secured to the piston 4, 104, for example received within one or more grooves of the piston 4, 104.
  • the seal or scraper member may comprise ring of flexible material, such as an o-ring seal, which may have a circular or square or rectangular cross section through its thickness. Additionally or alternatively, the seal or scraper member may comprise a sharp corner and/or a ring of rigid material. Suitable examples of such configurations are shown in WO2007/000577, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.
  • the container 100 may include a removable handle 107 receivable within a receptacle on the underside of the piston 104 in place of the removable plunger 144.
  • the handle 107 could be receivable within a receptacle, for example by a bayonet-type fitting, e.g.
  • the receptacle may include a spring at its base and/or a pair of opposed slots that receive engaging protrusions on the handle, e.g. to releasably connect the handle to the piston 104.
  • the control button 190 and the safety switch 191 may be integrated, wherein e.g. the actuation of the safety switch 191 may activate the pump 109 directly.
  • the safety switch may be provided by any suitable means, for example it may be incorporated within the spout 161.
  • the pump 109 may include one or more pipes for connection with one or more containers, for example two or more containers, e.g. via the a port in the container or base.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un emballage de distribution multifonctions (1) destiné au stockage et à la distribution d’aliments semi-solides comportant un corps creux (3), un piston (4) reçu en coulissement à l’intérieur du corps et un élément verseur amovible (6) avec une ouverture (65). Le piston (4) est configuré pour se déplacer vers l’ouverture (65) suite à une action d’aspiration appliquée par un utilisateur à l’ouverture (65). Le piston (4) comporte un élément de préhension (42) destiné à être saisi et tiré par un utilisateur, en fonctionnement, pour le retrait du piston (4) du corps (3) lorsque l’élément verseur (6) a été retiré.
PCT/GB2009/050991 2008-09-30 2009-08-07 Emballage de distribution WO2010038047A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0817848A GB0817848D0 (en) 2008-09-30 2008-09-30 Multi-use container dispenser
GB0817848.5 2008-09-30
GB0820095A GB0820095D0 (en) 2008-11-03 2008-11-03 Multi-use container
GB0820095.8 2008-11-03
GB0904488.4 2009-03-16
GB0904488A GB0904488D0 (en) 2009-03-16 2009-03-16 Dispensing container

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010038047A2 true WO2010038047A2 (fr) 2010-04-08
WO2010038047A3 WO2010038047A3 (fr) 2010-06-03

Family

ID=41416116

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2009/050991 WO2010038047A2 (fr) 2008-09-30 2009-08-07 Emballage de distribution

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2010038047A2 (fr)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110104343A1 (en) * 2009-11-05 2011-05-05 Marc Mamiye Draw tube container
US8376310B2 (en) 2010-09-20 2013-02-19 Prince Castle, LLC Pinch valve
US8534497B2 (en) 2010-09-20 2013-09-17 Prince Castle, LLC Dispensing method and apparatus utilizing a sensor to determine a time that a dispensing valve is open
US8636180B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2014-01-28 Prince Castle, LLC Pinch valve
US8727304B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2014-05-20 Prince Castle, LLC. Pinch bar
US8844768B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2014-09-30 Prince Castle LLC Liquid dispenser with storage tanks
GB2533236A (en) * 2013-07-25 2016-06-15 J Ridley Robert Bottle feeding system
US9714110B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2017-07-25 Prince Castle LLC Holding tank with internally reinforced sidewalls and liquid dispenser using same
GB2567930A (en) * 2017-08-25 2019-05-01 Mcgill Tech Limited Dispensing Apparatus

Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3093256A (en) * 1960-01-26 1963-06-11 Jr Clifford R Woodbury Baby food feeder
US3162318A (en) * 1962-09-07 1964-12-22 Jr Clifford R Woodbury Baby food feeder
US4010861A (en) * 1975-10-01 1977-03-08 Ottar Torolf Welten Nursing bottle

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3093256A (en) * 1960-01-26 1963-06-11 Jr Clifford R Woodbury Baby food feeder
US3162318A (en) * 1962-09-07 1964-12-22 Jr Clifford R Woodbury Baby food feeder
US4010861A (en) * 1975-10-01 1977-03-08 Ottar Torolf Welten Nursing bottle

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110104343A1 (en) * 2009-11-05 2011-05-05 Marc Mamiye Draw tube container
US9533869B2 (en) 2010-09-20 2017-01-03 Prince Castle LLC Pinch valve for dispenser for liquids
US8534497B2 (en) 2010-09-20 2013-09-17 Prince Castle, LLC Dispensing method and apparatus utilizing a sensor to determine a time that a dispensing valve is open
US8376310B2 (en) 2010-09-20 2013-02-19 Prince Castle, LLC Pinch valve
US9174834B2 (en) 2010-09-20 2015-11-03 Prince Castle LLC Apparatus and method for dispensing user-specified fixed volumes of liquids
US9212042B2 (en) 2010-09-20 2015-12-15 Prince Castle LLC Apparatus and method for dispensing liquids using a table to determine dispense time
US9346661B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2016-05-24 Prince Castle LLC Liquid dispenser with storage tanks
US9027791B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2015-05-12 Prince Castle LLC Liquid dispenser with storage tanks
US8727304B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2014-05-20 Prince Castle, LLC. Pinch bar
US8844768B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2014-09-30 Prince Castle LLC Liquid dispenser with storage tanks
US8636180B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2014-01-28 Prince Castle, LLC Pinch valve
US9714110B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2017-07-25 Prince Castle LLC Holding tank with internally reinforced sidewalls and liquid dispenser using same
GB2533236A (en) * 2013-07-25 2016-06-15 J Ridley Robert Bottle feeding system
GB2533236B (en) * 2013-07-25 2016-11-02 J Ridley Robert Bottle feeding system for semi-solids
US9539180B2 (en) 2013-07-25 2017-01-10 Robert J. Ridley Bottle feeding system
GB2567930A (en) * 2017-08-25 2019-05-01 Mcgill Tech Limited Dispensing Apparatus
GB2567930B (en) * 2017-08-25 2020-12-16 Mcgill Tech Limited Dispensing Apparatus

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