WO2022109236A1

WO2022109236A1 - Squeeze foamer with low profile closure and drip resistant vent

Info

Publication number: WO2022109236A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/060038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yen Kean Lee
Original assignee: Rieke Llc
Priority date: 2020-11-19
Filing date: 2021-11-19
Publication date: 2022-05-27

Abstract

A sealing vent (300) for a foaming dispenser associated with a squeeze foaming container is described. The vent (300) has an annular structure, with a central aperture (302) encased by a multi- tiered disc section connected to inner facing of a thickened, axial wall. An upward angled, outer flange (330) is connected on an outer facing of the axial wall, and the outer flange (330) is attached at a lower elevation along the axial wall in comparison to the disc section.

Description

TITLE

SQUEEZE FOAMER WITH LOW PROFILE CLOSURE AND DRIP RESISTANT VENT

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States provisional patent application serial no. 63/115,795 filed on November 19, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to foaming dispenser for squeezable containers, and, more specifically, to a venting seal closure associated with such dispensers.

BACKGROUND

[0003] An increasing number of liquid products, including soaps, cleaning solutions, and other fluids, find enhanced utility when dispensed from a container as a foam. Consequently, a wide array of containers having foaming dispensers are now available.

[0004] Generally speaking, foaming dispensers rely upon mixing the liquid fluid with a corresponding (and usually predetermined) volume of air in a specially designed mixing chamber. The liquid and air can be urged into the chamber by way of a pump mechanism. However, one drawback to these mechanisms is that they often require a number of specially designed parts, which can increase costs and/or the likelihood of a failure in one of the components. [0005] As a result, a number of dispensers discharge foam by a simple squeeze action applied to the sidewalls of a deformable, resilient container. This squeezing urges the liquid into the mixing chamber while simultaneously allowing air to be drawn in through vents/inlets formed in the container, usually in or proximate to its cap (where the foaming mechanism is typically located).

[0006] Figure 1A shows a first type of squeeze foamer relying upon a diaphragm valve, such as the one shown in United States Patent Publication 2019/0160480. Here, closure 22 is screw fitted by way of its annular sidewalls 42 to a container (not shown). Dip tube 30 defines a hollow passage 30a through which air is drawn. A sleeve 38 is centrally located on an panel 66 of the cap 26. Flip top 80 is detachably coupled to the panel 66 by way of cooperating bead-and-groove surfaces 82, 84 provided on annular walls 78, 80 formed respectively on the cap 26 and flip top 80.

[0007] A cup-shaped, two way diaphragm valve 28 is seated within an annular channel 52 defined by sealing walls 48, 50. Valve 28 includes a panel 66 with a central aperture 68 through which the tube 30 passes. Sleeve 38 terminates in a mixing chamber 70 immediately adjacent to the dispensing outlet 64. In operation, fluid is forced past diaphragm 28 by temporarily deflecting/displacing an edge of the panel 60, and thereafter enters the chamber 70 via liquid flow channels 44. Air enters the chamber 70 via the dip tube, and the liquid and air are sufficiently mixed to form foam before being expelled through outlet 64.

[0008] Figure IB illustrates a foaming dispenser 10B associated with a squeeze container having a diaphragm different than that of Figure 1A. Further reference can be made to United States Patent Publication 2020/0329923. Here, the diaphragm comprises a valve 42B having a radially extending annular flap 43B which is temporarily deflected/displaced.

[0009] In this configuration, dispenser 10B includes a cap 20B positioned over the closure 30B and dispenser nozzle 40B. When the cap is removed, air inlets 35B formed permit make-up air to re-enter the container (not shown) after a squeezing action. In particular, liquid from the container is urged past the valve 42B by way of inner flaps 43B deflecting upward. The liquid then enters the foaming chamber 46B and is urged out of the nozzle outlet 48B. The resilient sidewalls of the container (not shown) expand, drawing the outer flaps 44B downward and allowing air to pass back into the container’s interior. Other, similar approaches to foaming valves having flaps can be found in United States Patent 8,360,282 and 9,718,070.

[0010] In Figure 1C, a valve for use with trigger sprayers, such as the contemplated by Patent Cooperation Treaty Publication W02001066264, is shown. It should be noted that the actuation mechanisms for trigger sprayers involve significantly different considerations from the foamers noted above, particularly to the extent that such trigger sprayer designs do not need to accommodate the mixing of separate fluids prior to dispensing. Nevertheless, it is notable that sprayer 11 includes a cap 19 and a body encompassing both actuator bellows 17 and a cylindrical valve 14. Valve 14 seals the interior surface of the body to prevent fluid leakage, and it includes a large diameter inlet flap 12 and a small diameter outlet flap 13. A radial opening 16 is provided in the sidewall of the valve 14 to ensure proper fluid flow from the container to a flow channel of the body defined by the outer surface between the flaps 12, 13. Sealing flange 15 ensures fluid is passes through the body in a manner that allows for trigger-actuated dispensing.

[0011] In these designs, the valves require resilient, deformable portions or flaps that are temporarily displaced to permit the temporary flow of air or liquid. However, sufficient force must be applied to displace the diaphragm, which often results in manufacturers relying upon comparatively pliant materials. Owing to the positioning of these pliant materials immediately proximate to and in line with the outlet, squeeze foamers using valves like the ones shown in Figs. 1A and IB are prone to leakage. Further, these arrangements do not necessarily lend themselves to efficient mixing patterns, as introducing one or both fluids via swirling action within the mixing chamber allows for more effective and efficient formation of foam. An improved valve and closure design that meets these needs would be welcomed.

SUMMARY

[0012] A sealing vent for a foaming dispenser associated with a squeeze foaming container is described. The vent has a central, hollow cylinder formed along its axis. An angled, “umbrella” flap extends radially away and up from a midsection of this cylinder. Above the umbrella flap a series of flow channels are formed on opposing inner and outer facings of the valve, while cooperating slots are formed in a receiving sleeve that is itself fitted into the closure cap. The outer facing channels terminate just short of an outer bead or groove that facilitates attachment of the valve to a corresponding feature in the receiving sleeve, while the inner facing channels extend past the bead/groove and into the opening and interface with the sleeve. Also within the cylinder, a mixing panel, formed as a web and/or with a pattern apertures/slots, admits air through the valve and into the sleeve. When the sleeve is coupled to the panel of closure cap, an effective and efficient three-piece foamer, actuated by squeezing, is realized.

[0013] Specific reference is made to the appended claims, drawings, and description below, all of which disclose elements of the invention. While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any information on/in the drawings is both literally encompassed (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively encompassed (e.g., ratios for respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are with reference to inches, and any printed information on/in the drawings form part of this written disclosure. Also, the objects in the drawings are shown in their intended orientation, so that a feature shown in the top of the drawings are oriented toward the upper or topside portion of the mechanism/object, while features at or facing downward likewise at the bottom or underside portion.

[0015] In the drawings and attachments, all of which are incorporated as part of this disclosure:

[0016] Figure 1A is a cross sectional side view of a foaming dispenser including a vent seal/diaphragm with a cup-shape according to certain known embodiments, including exploded sectional insets to highlight certain features. Figure IB is a cross sectional side view of a foaming dispenser including a vent seal/diaphragm with flaps according to certain known embodiments.

[0017] Figure 2 is an exploded, upper perspective view of one aspect of the foaming closure according to the invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross sectional, side perspective view of the closure cap, sleeve, and vent shown in Figure 2. [0019] Figure 4A is an upper perspective view and Figure 4B a complimentary lower perspective view of the sleeve shown in Figure 2, with the latter view also indicating the positioning of certain elements along the inner surfaces of the sleeve.

[0020] Figure 5A is an upper perspective view and Figure 5B a complimentary lower perspective view of the vent shown in Figure 2, while Figure 5C is a perspective top view thereof so as to highlight the positioning of certain elements along the inner and outer surfaces of the vent above and proximate to the “umbrella” flap.

[0021] Figure 6 is a lower perspective view of the closure cap shown in Figure 2 (as well as a complimentary to the upper perspective view of Figure 2), highlighting the interior surface of the closure cap that interfaces with the container and, separately, the living hinge attaching an optional snap/interference fitting cap that may be used to seal the closure when the foaming closure is installed on the container.

[0022] Figure 7 is a cross sectional perspective view of the foaming closure taken along line A-A in Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0024] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

[0025] With reference to Figures 2 through 7, a squeeze-activated, foaming closure 100 is contemplated. Closure 100 requires only four basic elements: sleeve 200, vent 300, cap 400, and dip tube 500. Notably, in some aspects, the dip tube 500 could be integrally formed with sleeve 200 or the vent 300, thereby further reducing the number of elements required. This reduction in elements reduces manufacturing cost and complexity and, as such, represents a significant improvement over many currently available squeeze-activated and other foamers.

[0026] Closure 100 is attached, typically by a way of a threads 412 formed on an inner facing of skirt 410, to a container (not shown) having corresponding threads or coupling features.

[0027] The elements of closure 100 couple relying upon the structures and principles described herein. For example, threaded/rotational fittings, bead-and-groove, slot-and-tab, or other interference fit structures (including symmetric or asymmetric projections received within corresponding recesses, detents, and the like) may serve singly or in any number of combinations as means for coupling discrete elements of the closure 100 to one another (and/or coupling the closure to the container). Additionally or alternatively, sealants and adhesives could be used to similar purposes. Molding and manufacturing techniques may further allow for consolidation and integration of these elements (e.g., tube 500 may be molded as part of the vent 300; sleeve 200 could be formed with the cap 400; etc.). Particularly at interfaces where a fluidic seal is required, any such coupling formation should not leak in any substantial or detrimental fashion. [0028] In one aspect, sleeve 200 is received along a bottom facing of cap 400, preferably aligned on its central axis immediately proximate to outlet or nozzle 402. Sleeve 200 is formed as a hollow cylinder so as to allow for the receipt of two fluids (usually, air/gas and a liquid) and mixing of those fluids to create a foam. These fluids are carried within a resilient and/or pliable container (not shown).

[0029] Sleeve 200 includes a lower portion 210 and an upper portion 220, connected by a stepped transition 230. Upper portion 220 couples to the cap 400, while lower portion 210 couples to and intefaces with at least the vent 300. An aperture or bore 202 extends through the entire axial length of the cylinder defining the sleeve 200 so as to form a fluid flow path therethrough.

[0030] Along the upper portion 220, a bead, groove, or other coupling structure 222 is formed on an outer surface of the sidewall defining upper portion 220. Bead/groove 222 cooperates with a similar structure 422 on the cap 400. While shown in Figure 4A as having straight walls along most of the upper portion 220, a tapered section 224 may be positioned above (i.e., away from the lower portion 210 and closer to the outlet aperture 202) the bead/groove 222. Annular ledge 226 and wall 228 that may couple to the nozzle wall 404.

[0031] The lower portion 210 preferably has a larger outer diameter in comparison to the of the upper portion 220. Transition section 230 is a stepped or tapered axial section of the cylinder defined by sleeve 200, where the outer diameter of the sleeve changes as it is measured along the axis of the cylinder.

[0032] A similar change or reduction can be incorporated along the inner diameter of the sleeve 200. That is, the diameter taken along the inner facing of the cylinder, the lower portion 210 has a different, and preferably larger, inner diameter in comparison to that of the upper portion 220. Here again, transitional section 230 includes a step or taper 232 along that inner facing. [0033] A coupling feature/structure 212 is formed along the inner facing in the lower portion 210. Feature 212 may take the form of a bead or groove, which cooperates with a corresponding formation formed on an outer facing of the vent 300, thereby holding the sleeve 200 and vent 300 together.

[0034] At least one flow channel or groove 214, and preferably a plurality thereof, are formed on the inner facing of the lower portion 210. Channel(s) 214 may be regularly spaced around the inner periphery of sleeve 200. The number of channels 214 can be any whole integer between 2 and 12. The channels 214 inset into the wall of the lower portion 210 and sized to allow fluid to flow therethrough. Thus, the channel(s) 214 begins at the terminal edge of the lower portion 210 and extends through a tapered section 211 where the wall thickness of the lower section 210 gradually increases. If employed, tapered section 211 can facilitate orientation and coupling of the vent 300 within the sleeve 200.

[0035] The arcuate section where channel(s) 214 are provided will possess a larger inner diameter in comparison the inner facing of the lower section 210. The channel(s) 214 are axially oriented and extend into the tapered section 232. Notches 233 are positioned to ensure the channel(s) 214 terminate proximate to the transition section 230 and, more specifically, the beginning of the upper section 220. Notably, channel(s) 214 also bisect the bead/groove 212, as seen in Figure 4B.

[0036] While sleeve 200 is shown as a circular right cylinder, it may be possible to form the sleeve 200 according to a different radial cross section (e.g., oval, polygonal, etc.). Use of a non-circular cylinder would allow for the alignment of the sleeve 200 within the cap, and/or the vent 300 within the sleeve, at a specific orientation (provided similar adjustments were made in these cooperating components). In this manner, if any of the various features noted above were provided in asymmetrically for any reason, this unique cross sectional shape would align the components and features as desired and required. [0037] Further, it may be possible to form the sleeve 200, vent 300, and cooperating portions of the cap 400 and/or tube 500 to have a substantially frustoconical shape. That is, rather than having straight walls as shown for any of lower portions 210, 310; upper portions 220, 320; and inner facing of wall 404, it may be possible to impart an angle or taper to facilitate coupling of the various components. Nevertheless, the straight-walled, circular shapes (as shown in Figures through 7) represent a significant aspect of the invention.

[0038] Vent 300 includes a lower section 310, an upper portion 320, and a radial flap or “umbrella” 330. The upper portion 320 is received in the hollow interstice of the lower portion 210 of the sleeve 200. Bead, groove, or other coupling feature 322 provided on an outer facing of the upper section 320 cooperates with corresponding feature 212 to couple the sleeve 200 to the vent 300. Along the lower portion 310, a tapered edge 311 may be formed on the inner facing at the terminal edge of the vent 300 to facilitate receipt and coupling of the dip tube 500.

[0039] An aperture or bore 302 extends through the entire axial length of the cylinder defining the lower and upper portions 310, 320 so as to form a fluid flow path therethrough. Excepting for the various flow channels described below, the wall thickness of the lower and upper sections 310, 320 may be the same or substantially similar, so as to simplify manufacture.

[0040] Flap 330 is constructed as a thinner (relative to the walls in sections 310, 320) member affixed to a midsection of the vent 300 and extending radially away from upper section 320 up to its terminal edge 332, with the size and shape of the flap (e.g., length, angle, thickness) selected to block an annular passage formed between the vent 300 and the sleeve 200.

[0041] Terminal edge 332 rests upon an inner facing of the sleeve 200 so as to fluidically seal the sleeve 200 and prevent unwanted leakage of fluids from the container. In response to pressure from fluid(s) in the container (usually caused by squeezing the sides of the container), flap 330 flexes inward toward the walls of upper section 320 so as to permit fluid to flow along the outer facings of vent 300 along section 310, past section 320, and into flow channel(s) 324. To the extent the wall thickness of sections 310, 320 remains substantially constant, the attachment of flap 330 can demarcate lower section 310 from upper section 320. [0042] The angular shape of flap 330, as shown in Figs. 5 A and 5B, and its ability to flex inward provides an “umbrella-like” shape. In this regard, it is substantially different from conventional flap valves, like the one shown in Figure IB, for a number of reasons. First, the flap is formed only on the exterior of the vent cylinder (i.e., the outer surfaces of sections 310, 320. Further, the thinner wall curves upward to engage the sleeve 200 and may be formed to lay flat along an axially length of the inner surface of the sleeve 200, rather than resting on a ledge or other formation. The curvature of flap 300 also serves to prevent back flow of fluid into the container.

[0043] Another key feature relates to channels 324, as well as a separate channel or channels 325 formed on the inner surface defining bore 302. Each of channels 324, 325 are offset from the surfaces in which they are formed, and each extends in a substantially axial length (relative to the cylinder defined by vent 300). While the channels 324, 325 are, respectively speaking, arranged along the periphery of the outer and inner surfaces of the upper section 320, preferably in an offset rather than opposing manner (i.e., so as to alternate and avoid unnecessarily thinned wall sections within the vent 300).

[0044] Both of channels 324 and 325 may be provided as single formations or in a multiplicity. These channels 324, 325 may be regularly or irregularly spaced apart along respective surfaces in which they are formed, and their depth (relative to the surface in which they are formed) should be sufficient to allow for fluid flow therethrough. The number of channels provided is preferably any whole integer between 1 and 12. As shown, preferred aspects include 4 channels 324 and 4 channels 325. While the channels 324 may begin at a terminal edge of the upper section 320, these channels terminate before reaching the flap 330. As such (and similar to channels 214 in comparison to bead/groove 222), channels 324 traverse the bead/groove 322.

[0045] Along the inner facing of bore 302 in the midsection of vent 300 (i.e., preferably, immediately above the point where the tube 500 attaches with the bore 302), one or more radial protrusions 304 partially obstruct the flow passage defined by 302. In some aspects, a plurality of protrusions are formed and equally spaced so as to temporarily constrict the flow passage. Protrusions 304 could also serve to engage and/or couple the tube 500 to the vent 300.

[0046] Protrusions 304 may be discrete (as shown in Figure 5C) or contiguously formed as a single member. Protrusions 304 are arranged to impart a different shape to a portion of the flow passage (e.g., a cross or X-shape, as shown in Figure 5C, although any variety of shapes including Y-, T-, L-, I-, etc. could be employed). In all cases, the different shape imparted by the protrusions 304 provides a smaller radial surface area for the bore 302 in comparison to the inner diameter of the bore 302 immediately above and below the protrusions 304.

[0047] Channels 325 along the inner surface of the vent 300 commence above the protrusions 304 along the inner facing of the upper section 320. These channels 325 may also extend to the terminal edge of the upper section 320, similar to channels 324. Among other things, channels 325 and/or the inner surfaces along which they are formed can be shaped to promote sufficient mixing of the fluid(s) meeting in and passing through the vent 300.

[0048] As seen in Figure 7, the sleeve 200 and vent 300 are coupled so that channels 214, 324 are immediately adjacent to one another and overlap along a portion of the axial length of the closure 100. The pliable and resilient material forming vent 300 enables fluids under sufficient pressure to pass between channels 214, 324. Thus, fluid (e.g., liquid) passing around flap 330 is forced into channels 324 and, with the application of sufficient pressure, temporarily deforms the channel 324 so as to enter into channel 214. Once transferred to channel 214, the fluid is redirected by notch 233 into the inner flow passage defined by bores 202, 302. Here, the fluid is mixed with fluid (e.g., gas/air) delivered into this same passage directly by tube 500. The fluids then mix to form foam, which is then expelled out of the outlet 402/nozzle 404.

[0049] Given the foregoing arrangement, a mixing chamber C is defined by the inner surface of the sleeve 200 (and, more specifically, proximate the transition section 230) above the protrusions 304 and beneath the outlet 402. Formations (e.g., ribs, grooves, baffles, etc.) promoting the necessary mixing of fluids (e.g., by way of swirling) can be provided along this boundary of the mixing chamber. The number and size of channels 214, 324 is selected to balance with the size of the tube 500, protrusions 304, and bore 302 in order to control the formation of foam.

[0050] Locating flanges or grooves may be employed on appropriate interfaces between the sleeve 200 and vent 300 to ensure proper alignment and positioning of the channels 214, 324.

[0051] Closing cap 400 includes an optional flip top cap 420 attached to an axially extending skirt 410 by way of hinge 406. Annular flange 422 on a central portion of the top cap 420 aligns and selectively couples to the nozzle wall 404 to seal the opening 402. An engagement annulus 408 on the main body of the closure 400 can similar couple to and engage the outer wall 424 of the cap 420. Anti -back off features 415 (such as ratchet teeth or ribs) on or proximate to the edge of the skirt 410 cooperate with corresponding formations on the container neck to limit or prevent unwanted removal of the cap 400 from the container.

Tamper-evident formations could be similarly provided. [0052] Closing cap 400 is generally formed to couple to and seal container (not shown), preferably by way of threads 412 formed on the inner facing of the skirt 410. A plug seal flange 416 is spaced coaxially within the skirt 410 to promote sealing of the container neck, with support web or ribs 418 providing additional sealing and structural support.

[0053] When present, web 418 connects to receiving annulus 414. Annulus 414 is a wall or flange extending axially down from the main panel of closure 400. The size and shape of annulus 414 coaxially receives the sleeve 200 (and structures coupled thereto), with coupling feature 422 (e.g., bead, groove, etc.) provided on an inner facing of annulus 414 to secure the sleeve 200 thereto by way of bead/groove 222.

[0054] In view of the foregoing, a diaphragm for squeeze-activated container having flexible and/or resilient walls is contemplated having any combination of the following elements:

• A hollow cylindrical body

• A curved flap extending toward a top end of the cylindrical body

[0055] In the same manner, a squeeze-foaming dispenser is also contemplated. It may incorporate the vent of the preceding paragraph, along with any combination of the following features:

• A container having an open end

• A closure coupled to the open end

• The closure comprising a sleeve and a hollow, tubular vent

• Wherein the sleeve includes a lower portion with inner facing having axial flow channels and first coupling structure and an upper portion with an outer facing having a second coupling structure

• Wherein the vent includes a curved flap positioned between an lower section and an upper section having: (i) outer axial flow channels formed on an outer facing of the upper section above the curved flap, (ii) a third coupling structure on the outer facing of the upper section, and (iii) inner axial flow channels formed on an inner facing of the hollow tubular vent

• Wherein a first flow path is bounded by the outer surface of the vent and the inner surface of the sleeve, with the first flow path selectively sealed by the flap to control passage of a first fluid into the outer axial flow channels of the vent and a second flow path is bounded by the inner surface of the vent

• Wherein the vent is coaxially received within the lower portion of the sleeve

• Wherein the vent is coupled to the sleeve by way of the first and third coupling structures

• Wherein the sleeve is coupled to the closure by way of the second coupling

• Wherein the sleeve includes a transition section, positioned between the lower section and the upper section of the sleeve, with a step section defining a terminal edge of the flow channel

• Wherein the lower section of the sleeve has a larger inner diameter than the upper section of the sleeve

• Wherein the lower section of the sleeve has a larger outer diameter than the upper section of the sleeve

• Wherein a plurality of axial flow channels are provided on the sleeve

• Wherein a plurality of inner and outer axial flow channels are provided on the vent

• Wherein protrusions on the inner facing of the vent extend radially into the second flow path and the protrusions are positioned along an axis of the vent proximate to and/or beneath the inner axial flow channels

• Wherein the closure comprises a screw top

Wherein the closure comprises a flip top cap [0056] In the same manner, a foaming closure is also contemplated. It may incorporate the vent of the preceding paragraph, along with any combination of the following features:

• A closure cap having a top panel with an outlet nozzle located in the top panel and a skirt extending axially down along a peripheral edge of the top panel, said outlet nozzle including a cap coupling formation on an inner facing of the outlet nozzle

• A hollow tubular sleeve partially received within the outlet nozzle, said sleeve attached to the cap coupling formation and said sleeve having a sleeve coupling formation and at least one axial channel inset within an inner facing of a lower end of the sleeve

• A umbrella vent partially received within the lower end of the sleeve, said umbrella vent attached to the sleeve coupling formation, said umbrella vent having a curved flap attached proximate to a middle section of a hollow cylindrical body, and said hollow cylindrical body having, proximate a top end of the vent, at least one outer axial flow path inset on an outer facing and at least one inner axial flow path inset on an inner facing

• Wherein terminal edges of the axial channel and the outer axial flow path positioned proximately when the sleeve and the umbrella vent are coupled

• Wherein the hollow cylindrical body has a wall of substantially similar thickness except for the inner and outer axial flow paths

• Wherein the outer axial flow path runs from a top edge of the cylindrical body to a position proximate to and above the curved flap

• Wherein a protrusion creates a narrowed shape along the inner facing of the cylindrical body

• A dip tube partially received within a lower end of the umbrella vent Wherein the lower end of the sleeve is joined to an upper end of the sleeve by a transition section, said transition section including an inner facing annular ledge including notches fluidically connected to and aligned with the axial flow channel

• Wherein an inner diameter of the lower end of the sleeve provides for a first flow path between the inner facing of the lower end of the sleeve and the outer facing of the top end of the umbrella vent

• Wherein the inner surface of the umbrella vent provides for a second flow path

• Wherein the first and second flow paths terminate in a mixing chamber positioned beneath the outlet nozzle and defined by the inner facings of the sleeve and the umbrella vent

• Wherein the first flow path passes between the top end of the umbrella vent and the annular ledge

• Wherein the closure cap includes a plug sealing flange extending axially downward from the top panel, the plug sealing flange positioned concentrically within the skirt

• Wherein a support web is formed between the plug seal flange and a portion of a wall extending downward from and defining the outlet nozzle

• Wherein an attachment flange positioned on a top end of the sleeve extends into and/or engages an inner facing of the outlet nozzle

[0057] A container havinAll components should be made of materials having sufficient resilience, flexibility, and structural integrity, as well as a chemically inert nature. As used herein, resilience refers to a structure’s ability to return to its original shape, which may include the ability to exert sufficient force to create pressure differentials within a confined space (e.g., the interior of the container). The materials should also be selected for workability, cost, and weight. Common polymers amenable to injection molding, extrusion, or other common forming processes should have particular utility. Any container of sufficient resilience and flexibility can be associated with this design.

[0058] Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A foaming closure comprising: a closure cap having a top panel with an outlet nozzle located in the top panel and a skirt extending axially down along a peripheral edge of the top panel, said outlet nozzle including a cap coupling formation on an inner facing of the outlet nozzle; a hollow tubular sleeve partially received within the outlet nozzle, said sleeve attached to the cap coupling formation and said sleeve having a sleeve coupling formation and at least one axial channel inset within an inner facing of a lower end of the sleeve; an umbrella vent partially received within the lower end of the sleeve, said umbrella vent attached to the sleeve coupling formation, said umbrella vent having a curved flap attached proximate to a middle section of a hollow cylindrical body, and said hollow cylindrical body having, proximate a top end of the vent, at least one outer axial flow path inset on an outer facing and at least one inner axial flow path inset on an inner facing; and wherein terminal edges of the axial channel and the outer axial flow path positioned proximately when the sleeve and the umbrella vent are coupled so that, when a first fluid is sufficiently pressurized, the first fluid temporarily deflects the curved flap, enters the outer axial flow path, passes into the axial channel, and then mixes with a second fluid provided along the inner facing of the hollow cylindrical body.

2. The closure of claim 1 further comprising a dip tube partially received within a lower end of the umbrella vent.

3. The closure of claim 1 wherein the outer axial flow path runs from a top edge of the cylindrical body to a position proximate to and above the curved flap

4. The closure of claim 1 wherein one or more protrusions extend radially inward from the inner facing of the cylindrical body.

5. The closure of claim 1 wherein the lower end of the sleeve is joined to an upper end of the sleeve by a transition section, said transition section including an inner facing annular ledge including notches fluidically connected to and aligned with the axial flow channel.

6. The closure of claim 5 wherein the first fluid passes between the top end of the umbrella vent and the annular ledge

7. The closure of claim 1 wherein an inner diameter of the lower end of the sleeve are configured to admit a first fluid to pass between the inner facing of the lower end of the sleeve and the outer facing of the top end of the umbrella vent; wherein the inner surface of the umbrella vent is configured to admit a second fluid to pass therethrough; and wherein the first and second fluids are deposited in a mixing chamber positioned beneath the outlet nozzle and defined by the inner facings of the sleeve and the umbrella vent.

8. The closure of claim 1 wherein the hollow cylindrical body has a wall of substantially similar thickness, except for the inner and outer axial flow paths and a vent coupling formation provided on the outer facing of the top end of the umbrella vent.

9. The closure of claim 1 wherein the closure cap includes a plug sealing flange extending axially downward from the top panel, the plug sealing flange positioned concentrically within the skirt.

10. The closure of claim 9 wherein a support web is formed between the plug seal flange and a portion of a wall extending downward from and defining the outlet nozzle.

11. The closure of claim 1 wherein an attachment flange positioned on a top end of the sleeve extends into and/or engages an inner facing of the outlet nozzle.