HK1058346B - Dispensing system - Google Patents

Description

Dispensing system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for dispensing a product from a container. Such a system is particularly useful as a portion of a squeezable flexible container or a dispensing closure therefor.

Background

There exists a wide variety of packages that include (1) squeezable containers, (2) dispensing systems that extend as part of or are attached to units of such containers, and (3) the products contained within such containers. One such container employs a single dispensing valve to discharge a single stream of product (which may be a liquid, paste or granules). See, for example, U.S. patent No. 5839614. Such containers include a resiliently flexible slit-type valve. Such valves are normally closed and can withstand the weight of the product when the container is fully inverted, so that the product does not leak out as long as the container is not squeezed.

For certain types of products, such as glues, hair dyes, condiments, and the like, it may be desirable to provide a dispensing system that more precisely controls the discharge of the product. In particular, it would be desirable to provide more precise control over the location of product attachment and to provide a dispensing system that provides such control while allowing a user to clearly see the location of product attachment. It would also be desirable if such an improved dispensing system could also more precisely control the direction of dispensing of the product and could at the same time clearly indicate to the user the particular direction in which the product is to be dispensed or is being dispensed.

Longer and narrower cone-shaped nozzles are possible for the user to more precisely control the dispensing position and direction of the product being dispensed, but other problems arise with the use of such nozzles. Especially when the product in the long nozzle continues to flow out of the nozzle after it has been dispensed in the desired amount.

Consider, for example, the situation where a higher viscosity product is dispensed from an inverted squeezable container through a longer nozzle. This long nozzle must initially be filled with fluid product when the container is inverted. The user cannot tell exactly when the product will be discharged from the nozzle tip after the container is inverted. For higher viscosity products, the user must then squeeze the container slightly to just fill the nozzle, and the user is thus unable to determine when the nozzle has been filled and when the first drop of product will be discharged from the nozzle.

Further, when a user observes that a desired amount of product has been dispensed from the spray tip and attached to the receiving surface, the user typically stops squeezing the container, but the product within the nozzle will continue to flow out when the user is able to flip the container or otherwise move it from the dispensing position. The dispensing system can then accurately control the cessation of product flow to the nozzle.

There is a need for an improved dispensing system that addresses the above-mentioned product dispensing control problems, or at least minimizes the impact of such problems.

It would also be desirable to provide an internal system for reliably preventing product from flowing out of the container regardless of the orientation of the container and regardless of whether the container is squeezed or pressurized. Such internal sealing systems should be easily activated to open the flow path when needed for product dispensing, and should also be quickly activated to close the flow path to prevent inadvertent discharge of product when the container is shipped or stored in a location susceptible to external impact forces to increase its internal pressure or otherwise cause some degree of discharge of product from the container.

It would be desirable to have an improved dispensing system that works well without the use of a hinged lid that initially must be moved to an open position to permit dispensing, but which in this open position would interfere with the dispensing flow or product discharge position of a portion of the product from the user's perspective. It would also be desirable if such an improved dispensing system could eliminate the use of a separate cap, cap outer cover or stopper that would need to be removed prior to dispensing and could be lost or misplaced.

It would also be desirable to have such an improved system adaptable to bottles, containers or bags having a variety of shapes and constructed from a variety of materials.

Furthermore, it would be desirable to have such an improved system that could accommodate efficient, high quality, high volume manufacturing techniques and produce a system with consistent operating characteristics at low product reject rates.

The present invention provides an improved dispensing system that can accommodate the above-described advantages and features.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a system that allows a user to better control the dispensing of product from a container. Such systems can be used to deliver liquids, pastes or particulate materials, including powders. The user can easily set the position where the product is to be attached, can quickly control the flow direction of the product, and can more accurately control the starting and stopping of the product flow.

The dispensing system is adapted to dispense a product from a perforated container. The dispensing system may be formed as an integral part of one end of the container, or the dispensing system may be a separate component that is permanently or releasably attachable to the container.

The dispensing system comprises a delivery tube communicating with the mouth of the container and defining (1) at least one discharge orifice having a fixed geometry in a position fixed with respect to the container; (2) a distal sealing surface located distally of the discharge aperture relative to the container in a product discharge direction; (3) a proximal seal surface located on the exterior of said spout proximal to said discharge orifice; and a nozzle assembly mounted on the delivery tube. The nozzle assembly is movable along the duct between a retracted, closed position and an extended, open position. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle having (1) a dispensing passage surrounding at least a portion of the delivery tube, (2) a proximal sealing surface sealingly engaging the proximal sealing surface of the delivery tube adjacent the sealing surface, and (3) a proximal sealing surface positioned beyond the proximal sealing surface of the nozzle to sealingly engage the distal sealing surface of the delivery tube when the nozzle assembly is in the retracted closed position. Also included in the nozzle assembly is a resilient flexible valve. The valve is sealingly arranged to intersect the dispensing passage of the nozzle at a sealing surface remote from the distal end of the delivery tube. The valve has an initially closed dispensing orifice which opens in response to a pressure differential applied across the valve.

The presently preferred form of such a dispensing system has a valve mounted near the distal tip of the nozzle. The valve is preferably self-sealing and biased to close when the pressure differential across the open valve drops to a predetermined amount 2F. Alternatively, the dispensing system may employ a valve that remains open once opened, even if the pressure differential across the valve drops to zero. Further, the configuration of the present invention may employ different types and sizes of valves.

Many other advantages and features of the present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description of the invention, the claims and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, like parts are designated with like numerals.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention, included in a dispensing closure formed separately from and releasably mounted on a container having an opening to the interior thereof, the closure being shown with parts in a closed condition;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the closed dispensing closure;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the closed dispensing closure;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of this first embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of this first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the first embodiment of the dispensing closure in a fully open condition;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the fully open dispensing closure of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating a dispensing closure of the fully open type corresponding to FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a greatly enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the distal end of the dispensing closure shown in an inverted orientation prior to dispensing of product from the container;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10, but showing the valve of FIG. 1 distal of the dispensing closure member in a substantially fully open configuration for dispensing product pressurized by the adjacent internal pressure region of the valve;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention incorporated in a closure formed separately from and releasably mounted on a container having an opening to the interior thereof, the closure being shown with parts in a closed condition;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the second embodiment of the dispensing closure in a closed condition;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the second embodiment of the dispensing closure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the plane 15-15 in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the dispensing closure;

FIG. 17 is an exploded partial perspective view of a second embodiment of the dispensing closure of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 12, but FIG. 18 shows the second embodiment of the dispensing closure in a fully open condition;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 13, but FIG. 18 shows the second embodiment of the dispensing closure in a fully open condition;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 15, but FIG. 18 shows the second embodiment of the dispensing closure in a fully open condition;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention; the dispensing system is comprised in a dispensing closure formed separately from and releasably mounted on a container having an opening to the interior thereof, said closure being shown as having components in a closed condition;

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the dispensing closure of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention incorporated in a dispensing closure formed separately from and releasably mounted on a container having an opening to the interior thereof, the closure being shown with parts in a closed condition; and

FIG. 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the dispensing closure shown in FIG. 23.

Detailed Description

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, this specification and the accompanying drawings disclose only some specific forms as examples of the invention, and it is understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments but its scope is indicated by the appended claims.

For the purposes of this description, the drawings illustrating the invention will mostly show the dispensing system in a typical orientation where it will be at the top of the container when the container is stored upright with its bottom, and the terms used such as up, down, horizontal, etc. are generally based on the above orientation. It should be understood that the dispensing system of the present invention may be manufactured, shipped, used and sold in an orientation different than the orientation described.

The dispensing system of the present invention is applicable to a variety of conventional or special containers of different designs, details of which, although not illustrated or described, will be apparent to those skilled in the art and knowledgeable of such containers. Such containers do not form part of the present invention per se.

A first embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention is illustrated in fig. 1-11 in the form of a dispensing closure 30 for a container (not shown). As shown in FIG. 6, the closure 30 has a body portion 32 that includes a hollow, generally cylindrical base or skirt 34, an annular shoulder 36 extending radially inwardly from the top end of the skirt 34, and a reduced diameter delivery tube 38 extending upwardly from the interior of the shoulder 36.

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the interior of the skirt 34 defines an internal female thread 40. The skirt 34 is adapted to receive the upper end of a container mouth or neck (not shown). Skirt threads 40 are adapted to matingly engage threads on the container mouth or neck.

Alternatively, instead of threads 40, some sort of connecting means such as snap-fit beads or grooves (not shown) may be provided on the skirt 34 to mate with mating grooves or beads, respectively, in the container neck. The closure body 32, depending on the material used for it and the container, may also be permanently affixed to the container by induction melting, ultrasonic melting, gluing, or the like. The closure body 32 may also be formed as an integral part or extension of the container.

The closure body skirt 34 may take any suitable configuration. The container may have an upwardly projecting neck or other portion to be received in a particular configuration of the closure body 32, while the main portion of the container can have a cross-sectional shape different from the container neck and skirt 34.

Closure 34 may be used with containers having a mouth or other orifice that provides access to the container and the product contained therein. The product may be, for example, a liquid food product, or any other liquid, solid or gaseous material, including, but not limited to, a powder, a paste, a food product, a personal care product, an industrial or household cleaning product, or other chemical composition (e.g., a chemical composition used in operations related to manufacturing, industrial or general care, construction, agriculture, etc.).

The container is typically a squeezable container having a flexible wall portion that can be pushed by a user and which can be squeezed or pressurized to increase the internal pressure of the container to force the product out of the container and through the closure 30. Such container walls typically have sufficient inherent resiliency to return to their normal unstressed shape when the squeezing forces are removed. Such a squeezable wall construction is desirable in many applications, but may not be necessary or optimal in other applications, such as where a common rigid container may be required and the interior of the container pressurized at selected times with a plunger or other pressurizing system.

As can be seen in fig. 4 and 6, an annular "crab's claw" seal 42 projects downwardly from the underside of the closure body shoulder 36. This seal 42 can sealingly engage the upper annular rim of a container (not shown) on which the closure 30 is mounted.

The preferred embodiment of the duct 38 has a generally circular cross-section along its length, with the diameter of the base 34 being greater than the maximum diameter of the duct 38. The delivery tube 38 has an internal delivery passage 44 (fig. 6) communicating with the interior of the container and a distal end including at least one discharge orifice 46 (fig. 5 and 6) leading from this delivery passage 44 to the exterior. Preferably, there are three such apertures 46 and a post 48 between each adjacent pair of apertures 46. Three struts 48 are arranged equidistantly around the end of the delivery tube 38. The distal end of each post 48 supports a disc 50 (fig. 5 and 6) located distally of the three apertures 46. The disk 50 has an arcuate peripheral distal edge 52 which merges with a generally cylindrical peripheral surface 54 which serves as a terminal sealing surface at the end of the discharge orifice 46. The size, shape and number of the holes 46 and posts 48 may vary. The profile of the disc surfaces 52 and 54 may vary.

The delivery tube 38 may also have a proximal sealing surface 56 (fig. 6) located proximate the discharge orifice 46, which is preferably cylindrical and terminates at its upper end at the discharge orifice 46 in an annular bead 57 (fig. 6).

Around the base of the delivery tube 38, below the sealing surface 56, there is provided an external male thread 58. A multi-start lead thread may be used. The threads themselves may also be replaced by cam surfaces.

The dispensing closure body 32 is preferably molded of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene into a generally rigid hard plastic structure. The particular material used to mold closure body 32 does not form part of the present invention.

The dispensing closure 30 further includes a nozzle assembly which in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 6 includes a twist tip or nozzle 60, a valve 70 and a retaining cap 80. The nozzle 60 is adapted to be mounted to the delivery tube 38 and includes an internal female screw 84 (fig. 6) for engagement with the delivery tube threads 58. If the delivery tube 38 employs a cam instead of the threads 58 themselves, the nozzle 60 should have a suitable cam follower.

The interior of the nozzle 60 defines an interior dispensing passage 86 (fig. 6) adapted to receive and extend around at least a portion of the delivery tube 38, as shown in fig. 4. The nozzle 60 may be rotated to thread onto the delivery tube 38 to allow the nozzle 60 to move axially along the delivery tube 38 between a lowered or retracted closed position (fig. 1, 2 and 4) and a raised or extended open position (fig. 7-9).

Referring to fig. 6, the dispensing passage 86 of the nozzle 60 has a large diameter lower portion 88 containing the threads 84. The nozzle 60 has a reduced diameter intermediate portion defining a proximal sealing surface 90. At the bottom of the nozzle near the sealing surface 90 is an annular bead 92 (fig. 6).

The upper end of the nozzle 60 also preferably has a reduced diameter upper portion defining a generally cylindrical distal seal surface 96 (FIG. 6) located outwardly of the nozzle proximal seal surface 90. The distal and proximal sealing surfaces 96 and 90 together define at least a portion of the nozzle dispensing passage.

The upper distal end of the nozzle 60 terminates in a dispensing opening 98 (fig. 6) and defines an annular base 100 about the nozzle dispensing opening. The outer surface of the nozzle 60 includes an annular bead 102 (fig. 6) adjacent the base 100.

In the preferred embodiment shown, the valve 70 has a commercially available valve design configuration and operating characteristics substantially identical to the valve 46 disclosed and referenced in U.S. patent No. 5676289. The operation of this valve is also described with reference to a similar valve identified by the reference numeral 3d in U.S. patent No. 5409144. The disclosures of these two patents are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification to the extent they are pertinent and consistent herewith.

The valve 70 is flexible to change its configuration between (1) a closed, rest position (illustrated in the form of an upright container in fig. 9 and an inverted container in fig. 10) and (2) an operative, open position (illustrated in the form of an inverted container in fig. 11). The valve 70 includes a flexible central portion, face or head 130 (fig. 10) having an unactuated, raised configuration (when viewed from the exterior) and having two orthogonally intersecting dispensing slits 132 of equal length that together define a closed dispensing orifice. The two intersecting slits 132 define four generally fan-shaped blade or petal members in the recessed central head portion 130. These vanes open outwardly from the point of intersection in response to increasing container pressure of sufficient magnitude in a well known manner as described in U.S. patent No. 5409144.

The valve 70 includes a skirt or sleeve 134 extending from a central wall or head 130 thereof, with an annular flange 138 extending circumferentially from the sleeve 134 in an inverted angular orientation at the outer end of the sleeve 134. This thin flange 138 merges with an enlarged, much thicker peripheral flange 140 having a generally dovetail-shaped cross-section (as viewed in fig. 10).

To seat the valve 70 in the nozzle 60, the frustoconical shape of the nozzle annular seat 100 has the same angle as the angle of the adjacent surface of the valve flange dovetail configuration.

The other (outer) face of the valve flange 140 is clamped by the retaining cap 80 (fig. 9 and 10). The retaining cap 80 defines a central opening 150 (fig. 6 and 10) surrounded by an annular clamping surface 152 (fig. 6 and 10) for engaging the outer surface of the valve flange 140 at an angle that matches the angle of the outer surface of the valve flange dovetail configuration.

The retaining cap 80 includes a skirt 156 (fig. 6) having an inwardly projecting bead 158 (fig. 6) at its lower portion for engaging the bead 102 of the nozzle 60 (fig. 4 and 6) to securely clamp the valve 70 in the nozzle assembly. This arrangement securely clamps and retains the valve 70 without the need for special internal support structures or bearing members adjacent the inner surface of the valve cylindrical sleeve 134. This allows the area adjacent the inner surface of the valve cylindrical sleeve 134 to be substantially open, free and unobstructed to accommodate movement of the valve sleeve 134 as described hereinafter.

The valve 70 has a resiliently flexible molded construction which is preferably molded from a thermoset elastomeric material such as silicone rubber, natural rubber, or the like. The valve 70 may also be molded from a thermoplastic elastomer material. Valve 70 is preferably made of silicone rubber, such as that sold under the trade designation DC-595 by the Dow Chemical Company of the United states.

The valve 70 may be molded with slits 132. Or the valve slits 132 may be cut later in the central head portion 130 of the valve 70 by suitable conventional methods.

When the valve 70 is properly installed in the nozzle assembly as shown in fig. 4 and 10, the central head 130 of the valve 70 is recessed within the nozzle 60. However, when the container is squeezed through the valve 70 to dispense its contents, the valve head 130 overtakes the container end outwardly from its recessed position and through the end port 150 (fig. 10 and 11).

The nozzle assembly (i.e., nozzle 60, valve 70 and mask 80) is adapted to be mounted to the delivery tube 38 as shown in fig. 4. The nozzle bead 92 and the delivery tube bead 57 are contoured to accommodate the movement of the two beads past each other when the two are forcibly combined together. The nozzle 60 may undergo some temporary outward expansion or deformation to allow the two beads to slide past each other. The nozzle threads 84 may then be threaded onto the delivery tube threads 58.

When these components are fully assembled and in the retracted closed position shown in fig. 4, the nozzle dispensing passage 60 extends around at least a portion of the delivery tube 38. The nozzle proximal seal face bead 92 sealingly engages the delivery tube proximal seal face 56. The delivery tube proximal seal surface bead 57 sealingly engages the nozzle proximal seal surface 90. The distal sealing surface 96 of the nozzle sealingly engages the distal sealing surface 54 of the delivery tube. This closes the discharge orifice of the delivery tube and prevents flow from the delivery tube 38.

To dispense product, the nozzle 60 is rotated on the delivery tube 38 to move the nozzle to an elevated, open position as shown in FIGS. 7-11. The container is then inverted and squeezed. Fig. 10 illustrates the orientation of the valve 70 when the container is first inverted prior to squeezing the container. Squeezing the container then increases the pressure within the container above the ambient external atmospheric pressure. This forces product from the container toward the valve 70, forcing the valve 70 from a depressed or withdrawn position (fig. 10) toward an outwardly extending position (as shown in fig. 11). The outward displacement of the central head 130 of the valve 70 is accommodated by a relatively thin flexible sleeve 134. The sleeve 134 moves from an inwardly projecting rest position (shown in fig. 10) to an outwardly displaced pressurized position. And this occurs by the sleeve 134 "rolling" along itself outwardly toward the outer end of the container (toward the position shown in fig. 11). But the valve 70 is moved substantially all the way to a fully extended position (fig. 11) unless the valve center head 130 has been moved. In fact, as the valve head 130 begins to displace outwardly, it is first subjected to a radially inward compressive force, which often further impedes the opening of the slit 132. In addition, the valve central head 130 will generally retain its concave configuration after it has moved outward, even after it has reached its fully extended position. However, if the internal pressure becomes sufficiently high after the valve central head 130 has moved outwardly to the fully extended position, the slits 132 of the valve 70 open to dispense the flowable material (FIG. 11). The flowable material is then forced or discharged through the open slots 132. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 11 illustrates a droplet 160 of liquid material being discharged.

By virtue of the excellent design described above, the flowable material dispensed from the nozzle assembly can be quickly and accurately directed and controlled. This flowable material is readily observable during its discharge to the desired target pressure.

When the squeezing pressure on the container 30 is released, the valve 70 closes and the valve head 130 retracts to its recessed rest position within the nozzle 60. The weight of the flowable material on the valve 70 when the container is not squeezed may cause the valve 70 to open or remain open. In other valve designs, the valve 70 need not be closed once it is opened and can remain open even after the squeezing pressure is removed.

The above-described dispensing action of the valve 70 generally occurs only after: (1) the system nozzle 60 has been moved to an open position (FIGS. 7-11); (2) the container has been inverted; (3) the container is squeezed. The pressure on the inside of the valve 70 will cause the valve to open when the difference in internal and external pressure reaches a predetermined amount. Depending on the particular valve design, the open valve 70 will close when the pressure differential decreases; or the valve will continue to open even if the pressure differential drops to zero. In the preferred embodiment of the valve 70 illustrated with respect to the first embodiment of the system shown in FIGS. 1-11, the valve is designed to close when the pressure differential drops to a predetermined amount.

The spout assembly does not rotate beyond the fully open position (fig. 9) and out of the delivery tube 32 due to the engagement of the spout bead 92 with the delivery tube bead 57 (fig. 9). However, in all positions of the nozzle 60 from fully closed (FIG. 4) to fully open (FIG. 9), the nozzle proximal seal surface bead 92 sealingly engages the outlet tube proximal seal surface 56, and the outlet tube proximal seal surface bead 57 sealingly engages the nozzle proximal seal surface 90. In all positions, the valve 70 is still positioned away from the outlet tube dish sealing surface 54 and the outlet orifice 46.

Other illustrative embodiments

FIGS. 12-20 illustrate a second embodiment of the dispensing system of the present invention in the form of a dispensing closure 30A. As shown in fig. 16, the closure 30A of this second embodiment comprises a base or body 32A, a nozzle 60A which may be adapted to be mounted to the body 32A, a valve 70A received in the nozzle 60A, and a retainer 80A in the form of a ring for retaining the valve 70A in the nozzle 60A. The body 32A of the second embodiment is substantially similar to the body 32 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11. As seen in FIG. 17, body portion 32A includes skirt 34A, shoulder 36A, outlet tube 38A, internal threads 40A for threadingly engaging the container, crab claws or seals 42A for sealing the top edge of the container, internal drain passage 44A, three drain holes 46A, three posts 48A, disk 50A, surface 52A, distal sealing surface 54A, proximal sealing surface 56A, proximal sealing bead 57A, and external threads 58A for threadingly engaging nozzle 60A.

The valve 70A of the second embodiment is identical to the valve 70 of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11. The valve 70A includes a mounting flange 140A having a dovetail-shaped cross-section.

As shown in fig. 17, a nozzle 60A of the second embodiment includes: an internal distribution channel 86A having internal threads 84A in its larger diameter lower portion 88A for engagement with the output tube external threads 58A; a proximal seal face 90A; an annular sealing bead 92A; a distal sealing surface 96A which seals against the closure body outlet tube distal sealing surface 54A when the nozzle 60A is in the fully closed retracted position on the delivery tube 38A (fig. 15). The nozzle dispensing passage 86A terminates in a dispensing opening 98A at the upper distal end of the nozzle 60A.

The end of the nozzle 60A has a radially inwardly directed flange 180A which defines the outlet 98A and has a lower annular clamping surface or seat 182A for engaging the upper surface of the flange 140A of the valve 70A. The flange 140A has a generally dovetail-shaped cross-section (as shown in fig. 17). The clamping face 182A of the nozzle flange 180A has a generally frustoconical shape forming the same angle as the adjacent surface angle of the flange 140A of the valve 70A.

The valve 70A is retained within the nozzle 60A by an annular retainer 80A against a nozzle flange clamping surface 182A. The upper end of the nozzle 60A has an internal hollow annular shallow groove 186A (FIG. 17) for snap-fittingly receiving the peripheral portion of the retainer 80A to securely clamp the valve 70A in the nozzle 60A. The upper surface of the retainer 80A has a frustoconical surface 188A that generally corresponds in angle to the frustoconical surface of the lower surface of the flange 140A of the valve 70A.

This second embodiment of the dispensing system 30A operates in substantially the same manner as the first embodiment of the dispensing system described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11. In the second embodiment of the dispensing system 30A, the nozzle 60A is threadably engaged with the body outlet tube 38A (FIG. 15) and is rotated downwardly to a fully retracted, fully closed position wherein the flow path through the dispensing system is closed by the engagement of the outlet tube disk distal sealing surface 54A with the nozzle distal sealing surface 96A. This prevents product from exiting the container through the valve 70A, which is always located distal to the outlet tube 38A.

When it is desired to dispense the fluid material, the nozzle 60A facilitates rotation of the outlet tube 38A to a fully extended open position, as shown in FIGS. 18-20, wherein the discharge orifice 46A is open when the valve 70A is opened by sufficient internal pressure within the container to allow the fluid to be discharged from the container through the valve 70A. At all times, the nozzle proximal seal surface bead 92A sealingly engages the spout proximal seal surface 56A and the spout proximal seal surface bead 57A sealingly engages the nozzle proximal seal surface 90A. The nozzle 60A is prevented from rotating away from the upper end of the outlet tube 38A by the engagement of the nozzle bead 92A with the outlet tube bead 57A.

Fig. 21 and 22 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention in the form of a dispensing closure 30B. The dispensing closure 30B of this third embodiment is similar to the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 12-20, the dispensing closure 30B of the third embodiment having a closure body 32B similar to the closure body 32A of the second embodiment, except that the closure body 32B of the third embodiment has a larger diameter high portion 36B.

The third embodiment of the dispensing system includes a nozzle 60B similar to the second embodiment of the nozzle 60A described above with reference to FIGS. 12-20. This third embodiment nozzle 60B has a generally frustoconical profile with a downwardly extending shroud wall 190B (fig. 22). The internal structure of the closure body 32B and the nozzle 60B substantially correspond to the internal structure of the closure body 32A and the nozzle 60A of the second embodiment, respectively.

The third embodiment includes a valve 70B mounted in the nozzle 60B and retained therein by an annular retainer 80B. The valve 70B and the retainer 80B are the same as the valve 70A and the retainer 80A of the second embodiment, respectively.

This third embodiment of the dispensing system 30B operates in the same manner as the second embodiment of the dispensing system 30A described above.

A fourth embodiment of the dispensing system 60 of the present invention in the form of a dispensing closure 30C is illustrated in fig. 23 and 24. The dispensing closure 30C of this fourth embodiment is similar to the dispensing closure 30A of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 12-20. The fourth embodiment of the dispensing closure 30C includes a closure body 32C that substantially corresponds to the closure body 32A of the second embodiment. The nozzle 60C is mounted on the closure body 32C in substantial conformity with the nozzle 60A of the second embodiment, but with a longer discharge end 194C (FIG. 24). The valve 70C installed in the nozzle 60C is held therein by an annular holder 80C. The valve 70C and the retainer 80C are the same as the valve 70A and the retainer 80A in the second embodiment.

This fourth embodiment of the dispensing system 30C operates in substantially the same manner as the second embodiment dispensing system 30A described above with reference to FIGS. 12-20.

Other modifications

The valve (e.g., valve 70) may have a shape or configuration different than that shown in the figures. Furthermore, the valve itself need not be slit. Furthermore, such valves may have some other discontinuity or particularity that defines a normally closed dispensing orifice.

The outlet tube (e.g., outlet tube 38) and nozzle (e.g., nozzle 60) may not be threaded as described (e.g., threads 58 and 84 in fig. 4 and 6). Even, the threads on both the outlet tube and the nozzle could be omitted, and instead the nozzle could be slidably disposed on the outlet tube for vertical movement therealong. The user simply pulls the nozzle up (i.e. outwardly) to open the closure, while the user also simply pushes the nozzle down (i.e. inwardly) to close the closure.

If desired, the nozzle assembly may be provided with an attached or completely removable cover (not shown) to protect the valve 70 from damage and dirt. Such a cap may be hinged to the nozzle assembly by a conventional or special snap-action hinge, or may simply be tethered to the nozzle assembly. The cap may also include an inwardly extending plug or member that is received in a recess in the valve 70 to serve as a means for further sealing the valve 70 from transient internal pressure increases that may cause the valve to open during shipping and transportation.

In yet another contemplated configuration, a releasable liner or removable label (not shown) may be initially attached over the entire top of the nozzle assembly. The removable liner may be retained after removal by the user and later reused on top of the closure (e.g., when the user subsequently places the container in a bag during travel). This prevents damage to the valve and/or prevents ingress of dust.

Although many variations and modifications of the invention may be made in the foregoing detailed description and examples thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts or principles of the invention.

Claims (22)

1. A dispensing system for dispensing a product from a container having an opening, the system comprising: an outlet pipe for communicating with the mouth of the container and defining (1) at least one outlet orifice having a constant geometry in a position fixed with respect to the container; (2) a distal sealing surface located distally of the discharge aperture relative to the container in a product discharge direction; (3) a proximal seal surface located on the exterior of said spout proximal to said discharge orifice; a nozzle assembly mounted on the outlet tube for movement between a retracted closed position and an extended open position and comprising: (A) a nozzle having (1) a dispensing passage surrounding at least a portion of said outlet tube, (2) a proximal sealing surface sealingly engaging said proximal sealing surface of said outlet tube, and (3) a distal sealing surface located beyond said proximal sealing surface of said nozzle for sealingly engaging said distal sealing surface of said outlet tube when said nozzle assembly is in said retracted, closed position; (B) a resiliently flexible valve (1) disposed sealingly across said nozzle dispensing passage at a sealing surface remote from said outlet conduit and (2) having an aperture which is initially closed and opens in response to a pressure differential applied to the valve surface end.

2. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said nozzle dispensing passage is defined at least in part by a distal sealing surface and a proximal sealing surface of said nozzle.

3. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said system includes a hollow base for mounting to the container above the mouth of said container and said outlet tube extends from said base.

4. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said spout defines an internal discharge passage for communicating between said container opening and said spout discharge orifice.

5. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said spout has a distal end defining a distal seal surface for said spout and said spout outlet aperture is adjacent said distal end of said spout.

6. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said nozzle dispensing system, nozzle distal seal surface and spout distal seal surface are configured relative to said spout discharge orifice such that communication is established between the valve and the spout discharge orifice only when said nozzle assembly is moved from said retracted closed position.

7. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the valve is a self-closing valve.

8. The dispensing system of claim 7, wherein the valve opens when the pressure acting on the side of the valve exposed to the container port exceeds the pressure acting on the side of the valve exposed to the ambient atmosphere by a predetermined amount; and the valve closes when the pressure acting on the side of the valve exposed to the container mouth decreases.

9. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said system is a dispensing closure that is separate from but releasably attached to said container around said container opening.

10. The dispensing system of claim 9, wherein said system comprises said container; the container has an external male thread; the system includes a body having a hollow cylindrical base with internal female threads for engaging male threads on the container, and the spout extends from the hollow base.

11. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said valve has an annular flange defining an outer surface and an inner surface; the nozzle has a distal end; the nozzle dispensing passage terminates in a dispensing opening at the end of the nozzle; said nozzle defining an annular seat surrounding the nozzle dispensing opening in cooperation with the inner surface of said valve flange; the nozzle assembly includes an annular retaining cap that is snap-fitted to the nozzle at the nozzle tip; the retaining cap defines a central aperture surrounded by an annular flange defining an annular clamping surface that cooperates with the valve flange outer surface to clamp the valve flange between the retaining cap and the nozzle.

12. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the valve flange has a dovetail cross-section; the outer surface and the inner surface of the valve flange are both truncated cones; the retaining cap flange annular clamping surface and the nozzle annular seat are also both frustoconical.

13. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said valve has an annular flange, the radially inwardly directed flange of the distal end of said nozzle defining an annular seat facing the interior of the nozzle; the nozzle assembly includes a retainer that cooperates with the nozzle by which the valve is retained in the nozzle by clamping the annular flange of the valve against the annular seat of the nozzle.

14. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 13 in which said retaining member is a circular ring that engages said nozzle.

15. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 14 in which said nozzle includes an internal annular groove and said retaining member includes a peripheral portion snapably received in said groove.

16. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 14 in which said valve annular flange has a dovetail cross-section defining a frustoconical outer surface and a frustoconical inner surface; said nozzle having a central bore surrounded by an annular seat for said nozzle; said nozzle annular seat is a frustoconical seat cooperating with the frustoconical outer surface of the annular flange of the above-mentioned valve; and the retainer has a frustoconical clamping surface that cooperates with the frustoconical inner surface of the annular flange of the valve to clamp the annular flange of the valve between the retainer and the nozzle annular seat.

17. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said valve is molded from a thermoset elastomer.

18. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said valve annular flange has an outer peripheral surface defining a cylindrical outer surface.

19. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said spout has an external male thread inwardly from a proximal sealing surface of said spout and said nozzle has an internal female thread inwardly from a proximal sealing surface of said nozzle for engaging the external male thread of said spout.

20. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said nozzle proximal seal surface comprises (1) a cylindrical seal surface, (2) a radially inwardly projecting seal bead adjacent to and in engagement with said nozzle cylindrical seal surface,

the proximal sealing surface of the spout tube includes (1) a radially outwardly projecting sealing bead and (2) a cylindrical sealing surface adjacent to and engaging the spout tube sealing bead.

21. The dispensing system of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the delivery tube comprises a disc located distally of the discharge orifice; said dish having an arcuate peripheral distal edge which merges into a cylindrical peripheral surface defining a distal sealing surface of said outlet tube; the portion of the nozzle between the valve and the nozzle proximal sealing surface has a cylindrical inner surface defining the peripheral surface of the nozzle distal sealing surface that sealingly engages the outlet tube disc.

22. The dispensing system in accordance with claim 1 in which said outlet tube discharge orifice is one of a plurality of aligned discharge orifices oriented in a radial direction.