HK1055415B - Dispensing structure with push-in mounted pressure-openable valve - Google Patents

Description

Dispensing structure with push-in mounted press-open valve

Technical Field

This invention relates to a system for dispensing a product from a container. This invention relates in particular to a system comprising a dispensing valve which is particularly suitable for use with a container through which material can be discharged from the container when the pressure inside the container increases.

Technical problems of the background and Prior Art

Various packages, including dispensing packages or containers, have been developed for personal care products, such as shampoos, detergents, and the like, as well as other items. Such containers typically have a neck defining an open upper end to which the dispensing closure is mounted.

A dispensing closure for these types of containers has a flexible, press-open, self-sealing, slit-type dispensing valve mounted in the closure over the container opening. The valve slit opens when the container is squeezed and the fluid in the container flows out through the opened slit of the valve. The valve automatically closes to shut off the flow of fluid as the pressurization is removed even if the container is inverted such that the valve bears the weight of the contents of the container.

The design of a closure member that employs such a valve is illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,271,531 and 5,033,655. Typically, the closure comprises a body mounted on the container neck to retain the valve over the container opening.

A cap may be provided for covering the valve during transport and when the container is not in use. See, for example, FIGS. 31-34 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,531. Such a cap may be designed to prevent leakage through the valve under certain conditions. The cover may also keep the valve free of dust and dirt and/or may protect the valve from damage.

The inventors of the present invention have determined that it would be advantageous to provide an improved dispensing structure having a cap and a slit valve with flexibility and that allows for multiple modes of operation on the container. It would be particularly advantageous to provide a dispensing structure that is adaptable to spoon or pour removal of product from a container in a first mode of operation. Providing a second mode of operation that would be beneficial is suitable for ejecting a stream of product through the valve.

It would also be desirable to provide an improved dispensing structure for covering the product in a container while allowing the gas to vent through the valve. This would allow, for example, the food in the container to be heated by microwaves, since steam or other gases generated during heating would be able to escape easily through the valve.

Such an improved dispensing structure should also take into account various designs that incorporate the dispensing mechanism as an integral part of the container or an extension thereof, and also various designs that separately mount the dispensing structure to the container in a secure manner.

It would also be beneficial if such an improved dispensing structure could be readily manufactured from a variety of different materials.

Also, it would be desirable if such an improved dispensing structure could be provided with a design that could accommodate efficient, high quality, high volume manufacturing techniques with a reduced product reject rate.

Preferably, the improved dispensing structure should also accommodate high speed manufacturing techniques that produce products having consistent operating characteristics on a unit-by-unit basis and a high degree of reliability.

The present invention provides an improved dispensing structure that can accommodate designs having the various benefits and characteristics described above.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, a dispensing structure for discharging the contents of a container from the interior thereof is provided. The dispensing structure includes a body extending from the container. The body defines a dispensing opening establishing communication between the exterior and the interior of the container. The body has a sealing surface around the body dispensing opening.

The dispensing structure includes a lid adapted to move between (1) a closed position over the dispensing opening of the body and (2) an open position away from the closed position of the body. The lid includes a frame defining a dispensing lid passage through the lid and a flexible valve positioned within the frame of the lid across the dispensing passage of the lid. The valve has a self-sealing slit which opens to allow flow therethrough in response to an increase in pressure on the side of the valve facing the container when the lid is closed. When the lid is closed, the container can be squeezed to dispense the flowable product from the container through the valve. Also, the container may be heated when the lid is closed, as in a microwave oven, and any gas generated during heating may be vented through a valve. The outer peripheral portion of the valve seal bears against the body sealing surface when the lid is closed, the body sealing surface helping to retain the valve in the closed lid when product is dispensed through the valve in the closed lid.

If it is desired to access the product from the container with a spoon, the cover can be moved to an open position with the valve retained therein. The spoon may then be inserted into the container. Alternatively, the container may be tipped by placing the lid in the open position so that the product can be poured out of the container.

Many other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of the specification, like numerals are used to designate like parts.

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a first embodiment of a dispensing structure of the present invention including a separate closure mounted on a container and having a lid attached in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the closure in an open position after removal from the container;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the closure taken along the plane 3-3 of FIG. 1 and showing a portion of the container;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 3, but with the container omitted from FIG. 4, and FIG. 4 shows the closure in the closed position with a removable label or cover placed on top of the closed lid;

fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the valve employed in the dispensing closure shown in fig. 1-4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the valve shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the valve shown in FIG. 5; and

fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view similar to fig. 4, but fig. 8 shows the removable cover or label removed from the top of the cap and also shows the closure inverted in the dispensing mode.

Detailed Description

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only one specific form as an example of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments so described. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims.

For ease of description, the dispensing structure of this invention is described in various operative positions. However, it will be understood that the dispensing structure of this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, used, and sold in a variety of orientations other than the depicted position.

A presently preferred embodiment of the dispensing structure of the present invention is illustrated in fig. 1-8 and is in the form of a dispensing closure generally indicated in the various figures by reference numeral 20. A dispensing structure or closure 20 is provided that is mounted on top of a container 22 (fig. 1) as a separately manufactured unit. It will be appreciated that in some applications it is contemplated that the dispensing structure 20 may be required to be an integral part of, or an extension of, the container 22.

The container 22 typically has a conventional spout 24 (fig. 3) that provides access to the interior of the container and the product contained therein. For example, the product may be an edible liquid product. The product may also be any other solid, liquid, or gaseous material, including, but not limited to, food products, personal care products, industrial or household cleaning products, paint products, wall repair products, or other compositions (e.g., for manufacturing, commercial or home maintenance, construction, reconstruction, agriculture, etc.).

The container 22 may generally have a neck or other suitable structure defining a container mouth 24 (fig. 3). The neck may, but need not, have a circular cross-sectional configuration and the body of the container 22 may have another cross-sectional configuration, such as an oval cross-section. On the other hand, the container 22 may have a substantially uniform shape along its entire length or height without any neck of reduced size or varying cross-section.

The container 22 may generally be a squeezable container having one or more flexible walls that a user can grasp and pressurize to increase the pressure inside the container 22 to squeeze product out of the container 22 through the closure 20 when the closure 20 is opened. Such container walls are typically sufficiently inherently resilient so that when the squeezing forces are removed the container wall returns to its normal unstressed state. Such a configuration is preferred in many applications, but may not be required or preferred in other applications. Of course, the container 22 may be substantially rigid. A piston may be provided in such a rigid container to assist in dispensing product, particularly relatively viscous products.

The dispensing structure or closure 20 includes a base or body 40 and a lid 30 that includes (1) a frame 42 and (2) a flexible, press-open, slit-type valve 80 mounted in the frame of the lid.

The closure body 40 defines a skirt 44 (fig. 3) with conventional threads 46 as shown in fig. 2, the threads 46 for engaging threads 48 (fig. 4) on the neck of the container 22 to secure the closure body 40 to the neck of the container 22.

The closure body 40 and container 22 may also be removably connected by snap-fit bosses and recesses, or by other mechanisms. Alternatively, the closure body 40 may be permanently attached to the container 22 by induction melting, ultrasonic melting, gluing, or other similar methods, depending on the materials used for the container and closure. Also, in some applications, closure 20 may be an integral part of, or an extension of, container 22.

At the top of the closure skirt 44, the closure body 40 defines a radially inwardly extending annular shoulder 50 (fig. 1 and 3). Projecting outwardly from closure body shoulder 50 (i.e., upwardly in fig. 3 and 4) is a nozzle 54 having an annular housing portion with an open end which can be closed by cap 30. The nozzle 54 defines an internal dispensing opening 56 (fig. 1) for establishing communication between the exterior and the interior of the container. At least part of the opening 56 is defined or bounded by an integral annular sealing surface 58 (fig. 3) at the top of the annular housing portion or nozzle 54.

As seen in fig. 3, an annular, flexible "crab's claw" shaped seal 59 preferably projects from the lower portion of the closure body nozzle 54 adjacent the upper end of the container neck to provide a leak-proof seal between the closure body 40 and the container neck. Of course, other types of closure body/container seals may be employed.

When closed, the lid 30 serves as a cover that still allows product to be dispensed from the container through the lid 30. Also, a label or other removable sealing member or covering, such as label 60 (FIG. 4), may be secured atop the closed lid 30 so that the closed lid 30 may act as a substantially leak-proof lid to prevent air from entering and/or product from exiting the container when the container is subjected to an intentional or unintentional impact that may cause a temporary increase in pressure within the container. The lid 30 with such a detachable label 60 affixed thereto will prevent the discharge of product from the container while it is being shipped, in a warehouse, and while the container is displayed in a store, or when the user begins to store the container.

The lid 30 is preferably hingedly connected to the closure body 40 with a snap hinge 64 (fig. 1). Such hinges are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,642,824, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. In an alternative embodiment, the lid need not be connected with a snap hinge. A soft hinge may be used instead. Also, in another embodiment (not illustrated), the use of a hinge is not required at all. The cap 30 may be completely separate from the closure body 40 and entirely removable.

The lid 30 includes a side wall or skirt 66 (fig. 3) from which the hinge 64 extends to the body 40. The bottom edge of cap skirt 66 defines a sealing surface 68 (fig. 1 and 4). When the cap 30 is closed, the sealing surface 68 engages an annular shoulder 50 defined on the closure body 40 atop the closure body skirt 44.

The cap 30 includes a nozzle 70 projecting upwardly from the skirt 66, and the nozzle 70 defines a central dispensing passage 72 (fig. 4). The dispensing passage 72 is generally aligned with and concentric with the closure body dispensing opening 56 when the cap 30 is closed. Projecting radially inwardly on the inside surface of cap nozzle 70 near the top of nozzle dispensing passage 72.

A preferred form of the valve 80 is illustrated in fig. 5-7. The valve 80 includes portions of known design, described below as a "head" and "connecting sleeve" that employ a flexible, resilient material, and the valve 80 can be opened to dispense a product, as described in detail below. The valve 80 may be molded from a thermoset elastomeric material such as natural rubber or the like. Valve 80 is preferably made of silicone rubber sold under the trademark DC-595 by Dow Chemical Company of the United states. However, valve 80 may also be molded from thermoplastic elastomers based on such materials as thermoplastic propylene, ethylene, urethane, and styrene, including their halogenated counterparts.

When molded from these materials, valve 80 is pliable, flexible, resilient, and resilient so that its edge portion can be temporarily and elastically deformed when mounted to and sealingly engaged with nozzle mounting flange 76.

As shown in fig. 7, the valve 80 includes a centrally disposed movable portion 81. In the preferred illustrated embodiment, having a valve 3d substantially as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144 and referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,144, the valve movable portion 81 is commercially available in the valve design configuration and operating characteristics. The operation of such a commercially available valve is described with reference to the valve labeled reference numeral 3d in U.S. patent No. 5,409,144. The description of the valve in this patent is incorporated herein by reference for all that is relevant and inconsistent herewith.

As illustrated herein in fig. 7, the valve activating portion 81 includes a flexible, central head or central wall 82 having an outwardly concave configuration and defining at least two, intersecting dispensing slits 84 extending through the head or central wall 82 to define a normally closed dispensing orifice. The preferred form of the valve 80 is to have two mutually perpendicular intersecting slits 84 of equal length. In the concave central wall 82 of the valve, the intersecting cuts 84 define 4 generally fan-shaped flaps or petals 85 (two visible in FIG. 8). In a well known manner and in response to a sufficient amount of increased pressure, as described in the above-mentioned U.S. patent No. 5,409,144, the flap 85 opens outwardly from the boundary of the incision 84.

The valve 80 may be molded with a cutout 84. Alternatively, valve cutouts 84 may then be cut into the face or head 82 of the valve 80 by suitable conventional techniques.

The movable portion 81 of the valve 80 also includes a connecting sleeve or skirt 86 (fig. 7) that extends outwardly through the head or central wall 82 of the valve. The outer (upper) end of the adapter sleeve 86 includes a thin annular flange 88 (fig. 7) that extends circumferentially around the outer circumference to define an upwardly curved portion 90 and a downwardly angled portion 92. The thin flange 88 terminates in an enlarged, much thicker circumferential edge portion 100.

The rim portion 100 is connected to the valve head 82 by the connecting sleeve 86 and has an integral annular wall 102 defining an integral annular recess 104 (fig. 7) opening radially outwardly for receiving the mounting flange 76 of the cap. The annular wall 102 is sufficiently flexible to temporarily deform when the wall 102 is forced against the mounting flange 76 to accommodate the positioning of the mounting flange 76 in the recess 104. The annular wall 102 is also sufficiently resilient to accommodate retention of the mounting flange 76 in the recess 104 by adjacent portions of the wall 102.

The integral annular wall 102 includes an integral annular upper shoulder 106 and an integral annular lower retaining bead 108. Recess 104 is located below shoulder 106 and above retaining bead 108. The upper shoulder 106 defines a generally frustoconical lead-in surface 110 (fig. 7) that faces away from the retaining bead 108. Upper shoulder 106 also defines an integral annular undercut surface 112 that faces retaining bead 108 and the side defining recess 104. Retaining bead 108 has a substantially flat, annular upper surface 114 that defines one side of recess 104 and faces undercut surface 112. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, retaining bead 108 extends radially outward beyond the radial extent of upper shoulder 106.

The valve 80 can be easily assembled with the closure body 40 by forcing the valve 80 into the cap 30 from the underside or inside of the cap's spout 70. The valve frustoconical lead-in surface 110 engages the bottom, inner circumferential edge of the mounting flange 76. The frustoconical lead-in surface 110 serves to self-center the valve 80 as the valve is forced upwardly against the flange 76. With sufficient overall radial inward compression, the valve 80 deforms to allow the upper shoulder 106 to pass the mounting flange 76, thereby snap-fitting the valve 80 into tight engagement, with the mounting flange 76 received in the recess 104 of the valve 80. Preferably, the height of the recess 104 is slightly less than the thickness of the mounting flange 76 to provide a tight sealing engagement between the valve 80 and the mounting flange 76.

In a preferred embodiment, a groove 104 is defined in suitable location along the annular wall 102 that positions the sleeve 86 and head 82 within the dispensing passage 72. That is, the sleeve 86 and head 82 are positioned inwardly of the outer end of the dispensing cap channel 72 so that the valve 80 does not project outwardly beyond the dispensing channel 72 when the valve head cutout 84 is closed and the valve 80 is mounted to the flange 76 in sealing relation to the discharge opening 72.

Preferably, the height of lower retaining bead 108 (e.g., along the vertical axis of valve 80) exceeds the height of groove 104. This provides a relatively greater anchoring or retaining action and better resistance to possible separation of the valve 80 from the annular flange 76.

The above-described mounting structure of the dispensing system of the present invention can be easily assembled in such a manner that it does not require a separate snap-fit clip member or a separate retaining collar for the threaded connection, which can exert undesirable stresses and/or undesirable moments on the valve 80 that can deleteriously affect the operation of the valve.

The configuration of the dispensing system of the present invention simplifies the equipment required for assembly and the method of assembling the system is low cost. The dispensing system can accommodate valves 80 of various diameters, cut-out sizes, and head configurations.

When the valve 80 is properly installed in the cap 30 and when the cap 30 is closed (fig. 4), the bottom surface of the valve flange 108 engages the closure body nozzle annular sealing surface 58, and the surface 58 seals against the flange 108. This sealing engagement also helps to retain the valve 80 within the closed lid 30 when the contents of the container 22 are dispensed through the valve 80 by squeezing the container 22, as described in detail below. Generally, when container 22 is squeezed to discharge product through valve 80, valve 80 is subjected to an outwardly acting force that pushes valve 80 in an outward direction. However, because valve flange 108 is compressed and clamped between the closure body nozzle sealing surface 58 and cap flange 76, outward forces on valve 80 are resisted by the clamping action and by the shoulder 106 of valve 80 and the engagement of flange 108 with cap flange 76.

When the valve 80 is properly installed within the closure cap 30, as shown in fig. 4, the central face or head 82 of the valve 80 is recessed within the closure cap 30. However, when the container 22 (FIG. 1) is squeezed so that product is dispensed through the valve 80, the valve central face or head 82 will be forced outwardly from its recessed position toward the end of the cap 30 (FIG. 8), as described in detail below.

The closure 20 is normally initially disposed in the closed condition (fig. 4) when the manufactured closure 20 is initially assembled to the container 22. This is also the state in which the package comprising the container 22 and closure 20 may be conveniently carried in a user's suitcase when the user is traveling.

In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a removable label or covering 96 (FIG. 4) on the cap 30 over the valve 80. To dispense a product or other fluid through the valve 80 using the closure 20, a user must first remove such a label or cover 96 (fig. 4).

In use, the container 22 is typically inverted and squeezed to increase the pressure within the container 22 above atmospheric pressure. This forces the product within the container toward the valve 80 and forces the valve 80 to move from the recessed or retracted position (illustrated in fig. 4) toward the outwardly extending position (fig. 8). The outward displacement of the central face or head 82 of the valve 80 is accommodated by a relatively thin, flexible skirt 86. The skirt 86 moves from an inwardly projecting rest position to an outwardly displaced stressed position, caused by the skirt 86 "rolling" along itself outwardly toward the outside of the lid 30 (toward the position shown in fig. 8). However, the valve 80 does not open (i.e., the slit 84 does not open) until the central face 82 of the valve has moved through substantially all of the way to the fully extended position beyond the dispensing passage 72. Indeed, as the valve central wall or head 82 begins to move outwardly, the valve central wall or head 82 is initially subjected to a radially inwardly directed compressive force which attempts to further resist opening of the slits 84. Also, the central wall or head 82 of the valve generally maintains its inwardly recessed configuration as it moves outwardly and even as it reaches the fully extended position. However, when the internal pressure becomes sufficiently high after the central wall or head 82 of the valve has moved outwardly to the fully extended position, then the slit 84 of the valve 80 begins to open to dispense product (fig. 8). The product is then extruded or discharged through the open slit 84. For purposes of illustration, FIG. 8 shows a droplet 90 of liquid product being discharged.

It will be appreciated that when the cap 30 is in the closed position shown in fig. 8, product may be dispensed through the valve 80. However, in some applications it may be desirable to also allow steam or other gas to vent through the valve 80 when the lid 30 is closed (and the label or cover 96 is removed or never installed) to heat the container 22. In such applications, a protective barrier (not shown) is also preferably provided outside the dispensing cap passage 72.

Whether or not baffles are used, the container may be placed in a microwave oven to heat the product within the container with microwave energy. The pressure in the vessel will rise due to the gas or vapour generated during heating. Eventually, the pressure becomes high enough to force the valve 80 to open its configuration to allow the gas or vapor to vent or escape. The use of a valve 80 with a small slit allows the vapor or gas to vent while still providing sufficient coverage of the product in the container to prevent the liquid product from significantly splashing out of the container if the product in the container boils or spurts out. Thus, after microwave heating is complete, product may still be dispensed from the container through valve 80 in the manner previously described with reference to FIG. 8.

The use of a closure 20 with a valve 80 that can vent hot gases is advantageous compared to conventional microwavable packages because conventional packages require the user to first open a portion of the package to establish a vent path. The closure of the present invention is not only more convenient but also safer, especially in children's hands.

It will also be appreciated that the closure 20 of the present invention may be used to vent gas that accumulates in the product within the container even without microwave heating of the container. For example, over time, certain products may undergo chemical reactions that may generate gases within the container and/or may build up gas pressure within the container due to high ambient temperatures or reduced atmospheric pressure (e.g., aircraft transportation). The valve 80 in the closure of the present invention will allow such gas to vent to the ambient atmosphere (if the label or cover 96 is removed (or never installed)). This may prevent bulging of the container.

It will also be appreciated that the lid 30 may be moved to a fully open position (fig. 1) so that the interior of the container may be accessed. This provides another mode of operation. In particular, the product within the container can be poured out of the container through the dispensing opening 56 of the closure body. Alternatively, a spoon, or other tool, may be inserted through the dispensing opening 56 into the container 22 to remove a quantity of product.

In some applications it may be desirable to provide a foil membrane or liner (not shown) across the bottom surface of closure body nozzle 54 to close off body dispensing opening 56. Alternatively, the gasket may seal the container 22 at the top of the container opening 24. In either case, the liner must first be torn or removed to provide communication with the interior of the container.

It will be readily observed from the foregoing detailed description of the invention and from the illustrations thereof that numerous other variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of this invention.

Claims (10)

1. A dispensing structure for discharging contents from a container interior, said dispensing structure comprising:

a body extending from the container, the body defining a dispensing opening establishing communication between the exterior and the interior of the container, and the body having a sealing surface surrounding the dispensing opening of the body; and

a cap having a frame defining a cap passageway through which the contents are dispensed, the frame of the cap including an annular mounting flange extending radially inwardly adjacent the dispensing cap passageway, the cap including a flexible valve disposed in the frame of the cap across the dispensing passageway of the cap for resiliently engaging the cap mounting flange, the valve having a self-sealing slit which opens to permit passage of fluid in response to an increase in pressure on the side of the valve facing the container when the cap is closed, the cap being adapted for movement between a closed position in which the contents of the container can pass through the body dispensing opening, through the dispensing cap passageway, and through the valve when the cap is in the closed position over the body dispensing opening; a cap in an open position away from said dispensing opening to permit pouring of contents from the container through said dispensing opening without passing through said valve, said cap being in sealing relationship with said body sealing surface when in said closed position, said valve having a retaining flange engaging said cap mounting flange on one side and said body sealing surface on the other side when said cap is in said closed position.

2. Dispensing structure according to claim 1,

the dispensing structure is defined by a closure member that is separate from, but removably connected to, the container.

3. The dispensing structure in accordance with claim 1 in which said body is an integral part of said container.

4. Dispensing structure according to claim 1,

the lid is hingedly connected to the body;

said cover including a removable cover over said dispensing cover channel, the cover being adhesively secured to an outer portion of the frame of said cover; and

the body includes a liner underlying the dispensing opening and closing the opening, the liner being disposed across a bottom surface of the body of the closure.

5. Dispensing structure according to claim 1,

the body comprises a nozzle; and

a sealing surface of said body defined at an upper end of said nozzle in an annular configuration around a dispensing opening of said body.

6. Dispensing structure according to claim 1, characterized in that

Said valve having an integral annular wall defining an integral annular recess which is radially outwardly open for receiving said cap mounting flange, said wall being sufficiently flexible to temporarily deform to accommodate the positioning of said cap mounting flange in said recess when said wall is forced against said cap mounting flange; and said wall is sufficiently resilient to retain said cap mounting flange in said recess by an adjacent portion of said valve annular wall.

7. The dispensing structure in accordance with claim 6 in which,

said valve having a head defining said cutout and having a sleeve extending from said head to accommodate outward movement of said head in response to an increase in pressure on the side of said valve facing said container when said cap is closed; and

the recess is defined at a suitable location along the annular wall to locate the sleeve and head within the dispensing passage of the cap when the valve cutout is closed.

8. The dispensing structure in accordance with claim 6 in which,

said valve retaining bead having a height exceeding said groove;

said valve annular wall including an integral annular upper shoulder spaced above said valve retaining bead;

said recess being located below said upper shoulder and above said valve retaining bead;

said upper shoulder defining an integral frustoconical lead-in surface facing away from said retaining bead and an integral annular undercut surface facing toward said retaining bead and defining one side of said recess; and

said retaining bead has a substantially flat, annular upper surface defining one side of said recess and said undercut surface facing said shoulder.

9. The dispensing structure in accordance with claim 8 in which said retaining bead extends radially outwardly beyond the radial extent of said upper shoulder.

10. Dispensing structure according to claim 1,

the valve is molded from only one material; and

the one material is one of a thermoplastic elastomer and a thermosetting polymer.