WO2004080607A1

WO2004080607A1 - Improvements in or relating to dispenser nozzles

Info

Publication number: WO2004080607A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/001058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith Laidler; Timothy Rodd
Original assignee: Incro Ltd
Current assignee: Incro Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-12
Filing date: 2004-03-12
Publication date: 2004-09-23
Anticipated expiration: 2005-09-12

Abstract

This invention relates to pump-action dispenser nozzles and methods of making the same. The dispenser nozzles of the invention comprises a body formed of one or two component parts which defines an internal chamber (700) having an inlet (503) through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber (700) and an outlet (403) through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle. The inlet comprises an inlet valve and the outlet comprises an outlet valve. The dispenser nozzle further comprises a locking means (1407) adapted to be moveable between a locked configuration in which the operation of the dispenser nozzle is inhibited and an unlocked configuration in which the dispenser nozzle can be operated.

Description

Improvements in or relating to dispenser nozzles

This invention relates to improvements in or relating to dispenser nozzles and, more particularly but not exclusively, to improvements in or relating to a pump-action dispenser nozzle and methods of making the same. Pump-action dispenser nozzles are commonly used to provide a means by which fluids, particularly viscous fluids such as soaps, shampoos, creams etc., can be dispensed from a non-pressurised container or other fluid source in response to the operation of the dispenser nozzle by an operator.

Examples of dispenser nozzles are disclosed in EP 0 442 858 A2, EP 0 649 684 and US 3,820,689. The dispenser nozzles disclosed in these publications are essentially formed from two separate component parts that are fitted together to define an internal chamber having an inlet and an outlet. One of the parts is a base formed from a rigid material, whereas the other part is a resiliently deformable portion that is fitted to the upper surface of the base. The resiliently deformable portion and the upper surface of the base define the internal chamber and the outlet. The resiliently deformable portion can be deformed in response to the application of a pressure to compress the internal chamber and dispense fluid present therein through the outlet. When the applied pressure is removed, the internal chamber re-expands as the resiliently deformable portion returns to its initial resiliently-biased configuration and this re-expansion causes fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet. Both the inlet and the outlet are equipped with valves so that fluid is dispensed through the outlet when the chamber is compressed and more fluid is then drawn into the internal chamber through the inlet as the chamber re-expands.

One problem with such dispenser nozzles is that the accidental application of a pressure to the resiliently deformable portion of the dispenser nozzle (e.g. if it is knocked or handled by a child) will cause the fluid to be dispensed when it is not desired. Accordingly, a requirement exists for a means for preventing the accidental actuation of the dispenser nozzle.

The present invention provides a solution to the aforementioned problem associated with known dispenser nozzles by providing, in a first aspect, a pump-action dispenser nozzle having a body which defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet tlirough which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the fluid source by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein said body comprises one or two component parts and at least a portion of the body wliich defines said chamber is configured to:

(i) resiliently deform from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in response to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said portion of the body is deformed from said initial configuration to said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be ejected through the outlet valve; and

(ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing the volume of the chamber to increase and the pressure therein to fall such that fluid is drawn into the chamber through the inlet valve; characterised in that said body of the dispenser nozzle further comprises locking means which is integrally formed with the body and is adapted to be moveable between a locked configuration in which the operation of the dispenser nozzle is inhibited and an unlocked configuration in which the dispenser nozzle can be operated.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking means is a bar or member that is integrally connected to a part of the body. The bar or member is moveable between an unlocked position in which the dispenser nozzle can be operated to a locked position in which it engages the outlet of the dispenser nozzle so as to prevent the flow of fluid through the outlet when a pressure is applied to the resiliently deformable portion of the body. For instance, a resiliently deformable portion of the outlet which deforms to permit fluid flow out of the chamber may be engaged by the bar or member in the locked position to prevent it deforming and thereby prevent fluid being dispensed through the outlet.

In an alternative preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking means is a rigid cover that can be placed over the resiliently deformable portion of the body to prevent access to this portion of the body and thereby prevent the application of a pressure to this portion of the body to compress the internal chamber. The cover may be connected to the dispenser nozzle by a hinged connection to enable it to be moveable into and out of the locking position.

In a further alternative embodiment of the invention, the body of the dispenser nozzle further comprises an actuator member which is configured to engage and displace the resiliently deformable portion of the body in response to the application of a pressure by an operator. The actuator may be an over cap that an operator presses to cause the resiliently deformable portion of the body to deform. Alternatively, the actuator member may be a trigger actuator which comprises a trigger handle that can be pulled by an operator and an engagement portion configured to engage the resiliently deformable portion of the body and cause it to deform from its resiliently biased position when said trigger handle is pulled. In such cases, the locking means may engage the actuator member and the body of the dispenser nozzle so as to prevent the movement of the actuator member relative to the body. The locking means may be a hinged member that can be selectively disposed between a portion of the actuator and the body to prevent the movement of the actuator. Alternatively, the actuator member may be a slidably mounted over cap adapted to slide relative to the body of the dispenser nozzle to facilitate the compression of the chamber during use. The cover may comprise locking detents adapted to engage corresponding detents formed on the over cap when the over cap is, for example, twisted. The engagement of the locking detents prevents the over cap sliding relative to the body of the dispenser nozzle.

The actuator member may be a separate component, which can be connected to the dispenser nozzle.

Preferably, however, the actuator is integrally formed with the body. Most preferably, the actuator is linked to the body by a foldable connection element and is configured to pivot about the connection element to enable the said portion of the body to be deformed. As a further alternative, the locking means may be in the form of a plug which is selectively moveable into and out of a locking engagement with the outlet. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the outlet of the dispenser nozzle is defined between two parts of the body (e.g. a base and an upper part), and the plug may be formed on one of said parts and configured so that it can be pushed into a locking engagement with a formation formed on the opposing part of the body to form a blockage in the outlet which can only be removed by an operator removing the plug prior to use. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plug is configured to selectively engage within, and block, the outlet orifice defined by the opposing part of the body. Thus, an operator can push the plug into the outlet orifice to lock the outlet and can pull the plug out of engagement with the outlet orifice prior to use.

The term "fluid" is used herein to refer to any material capable of flow. Therefore, although the fluids pumped through the dispenser nozzle during use will usually be various liquids, in some cases the fluid may be a gas or a mixture of gasses, such as air. As an example, a small pump may be formed in the side of a food packaging to provide a means by which air can be pumped out of the packaging.

The dispenser nozzles of the invention preferably comprise no more than two separate component parts that are fitted together to form the assembled dispenser nozzle. By "separate component parts" we mean that the parts are not linked in any way, i.e. they are not integrally formed with one another (but each separate component part may comprise one or more integral parts or portions). In preferred embodiments, the dispenser will comprise a single, integrally formed component part. The key to reducing the number of components resides in the discovery that all of the necessary parts of the dispenser nozzle can be integrally formed within the body of the dispenser nozzle. For instance, the chamber, inlet, inlet valve, outlet, and outlet valve can all be defined by the body of the dispenser nozzle, thereby reducing the need to include separate components with all the consequential increases in component and assembly costs. Furthermore, the provision of a locking means that is integrally formed with the body eliminates the need for an additional component part to form the lock, which would increase the assembly and production costs. Examples of known nozzle arrangements formed at two separate component parts, but which do not comprise a locking means, are disclosed in EP 0442858 A2 and US 3,820,689, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The body of the dispenser nozzle

The internal chamber defined by the body is preferably defined between two or more interconnected parts of the body. It is especially preferred that the chamber is defined between two interconnected parts, which may be separately formed component parts that fit together to define the chamber or, more preferably, are integrally formed with one another as a single component part. In the latter case, it is preferred that the two parts are connected together by hinge or foldable connection element which enables the two parts to be moulded together in the same mould and then brought into contact with one another to form the assembled dispenser nozzle.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the outlet comprises the outlet valve, an outlet orifice and an outlet passageway that connects the chambers to the outlet orifice. It is also preferred in such embodiments, that the at least two interconnected parts of the body that define the chamber also define at least a portion of the outlet passageway. Most preferably, the two interconnected parts form the outlet valve between them and also define the entire outlet passageway and the outlet orifice.

The outlet passageway is preferably defined between an abutment surface of one of said parts and an opposing abutment surface of another of said parts. One or more of the abutment surfaces preferably comprises one or more grooves and/or recesses formed thereon which define the outlet passageway when the abutment surfaces are contacted together. Most preferably, each of said abutment surfaces comprises a groove and/or recesses formed thereon which align to define the outlet passageway when the abutment surfaces are contacted together. The grooves and/or recesses preferably extend from the chamber to an opposing edge of the abutment surfaces where, when the abutment surfaces are contacted together, an outlet orifice is defined at the end of the outlet passageway. In preferred embodiments where one or more spray modifying features are present in the outlet passageway, the features may be formed by aligning recesses and/or grooves formed on the abutment surfaces, as illustrated and described in International Patent Publication Number WO 01/89958, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The two parts of the body may be permanently fixed together by, for example, ultrasonically welding or heat welding. Alternatively, the two parts may be configured to fit tightly/resistively to one another to form the nozzle (e.g. by the provision of a snap-fit connection) in the absence of any welding. For instance, the edges of one part may be configured to fit into a retaining groove of the other part to form the dispenser nozzle.

As a further alternative, a compatible plastic material may be moulded over the join of the two parts to secure them together. This can be achieved by moulding the two components simultaneously in a tool, joining them together in the tool to form the dispenser nozzle and then moulding a suitable plastic material around them to hold the two parts together.

In certain embodiments, the two parts may remain releasably attached to one another so that they can be separated during use to enable the chamber and/or the outlet to be cleaned.

It is most preferred that the two parts (wliich, as stated above, may be separate component parts or parts of a single integrally formed component part) of the body of the dispenser nozzle that define the chambers are a base part and an upper part. The base part is preferably adapted to be fitted to the opening of a container by a suitable means, such as, for example, a screw thread or snap fit connection. Furthermore, in addition to forming a portion of the body that defines the chamber, the base part also preferably defines the inlet as well as a portion of the outlet passageway leading from the chambers to the outlet orifice in preferred embodiments. The upper part is adapted to be fitted to the base so that between them they define the chambers and, in preferred embodiments, the outlet valve, outlet passageway and/or outlet orifice. In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the base and upper part also define the outlet orifice. It is also preferred that the upper part forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body defining the chambers.

Material

The body of the nozzle arrangement may be made from any suitable material.

In certain embodiments of the invention where the body comprises two interconnected component parts which fit together to define the internal chamber, the two parts may be made from either the same or different materials. For instance, one of the parts may be made from a flexible/resiliently deformable material, such as a resiliently deformable plastic or rubber material, and the other of said parts may be made from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic. Such embodiments are preferred for some applications because the flexible/resiliently deformable material forms the second portion of the body defining the chambers and can readily be deformed by an operator pressing the actuator surface to actuate the ejection of fluid present in the chambers. The flexible material can also provide a soft touch feel for the operator. Such embodiments can be made by either moulding the two parts separately and then connecting them together to form the assembled nozzle arrangement, or moulding the two parts in the same tool using a bi-injection moulding process. By "bi-injection moulding" we mean that the body of the nozzle device is formed from two parts, a first of said parts being moulded in an initial moulding step together with a framework or base for a second of said parts from a first material, and a second material, which may be the same or different to said first material is moulded onto said base to complete the body of the device. Bi-injection mouldings are well known in the art. Preferably, one said materials is a rigid plastic and the second of said materials is a flexible plastic, which forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body of the dispenser nozzle.

Alternatively, the two parts may both be made from either a rigid or a flexible material. The rigid and flexible material may be any suitable material from which the dispenser nozzle may be formed. In such cases, it is preferred the body of the dispenser nozzle is formed entirely from a rigid plastic material.

The expression "rigid plastic material" is used herein to refer to a plastic material that possesses a high degree of rigidity and strength once moulded into the desired form, but which can also be rendered more flexible or resiliently deformable in portions by reducing the thickness of the plastic. Thus, a thinned section of plastic can be provided to form the at least a portion of the body that defines the chamber and which is configured to resiliently deform.

The term "flexible plastic" is used herein to denote plastics materials which are inherently flexible/resiliently deformable so as to enable the resilient displacement of at least a portion of the body to facilitate the compression of the chamber. The extent of the flexibility of the plastic may be dependent on the thickness of the plastic in any given area or region. Such "flexible plastic" materials are used, for example, in the preparation of shampoo bottles or shower gel containers. In the fabrication of a dispenser nozzle of the present invention, portions of the body may be formed from thicker sections of plastic to provide the required rigidity to the structure, whereas other portions may be composed of thinner sections of plastic to provide the necessary deformability characteristics. If necessary, a framework of thicker sections, generally known as support ribs, may be present if extra rigidity is required in certain areas. The advantage of using a single material for the formation of the dispenser nozzle is that the entire dispenser nozzle can be moulded as a single integrally formed component part in a single moulding tool in a single moulding operation, as discussed further below. The formation of the dispenser nozzle from a single material, particularly in preferred embodiments where the two parts are integrally formed and connected to one another by a foldable connection element or a hinged joint so that the upper part can be swung into contact with the base part to form the assembled dispenser nozzle, avoids the requirement for the assembly of multiple, separate component parts. Furthermore, forming the dispenser nozzle from a single material provides the possibility of possibility of welding the two parts together (e.g. by heat or ultrasonic welding) or, if the plastic material is a rigid plastic material, then a snap-fit connection can be formed between the upper part and the base. The latter option also enables the upper part and base to be disconnected periodically for cleaning.

Outlet Valve

In order to function optimally, it is necessary that the outlet of the chamber is provided with, or is adapted to function as, a one-way valve. The one-way valve enables product stored in the chamber to be dispensed through the outlet only when a predetermined minimum threshold pressure is achieved within the chamber (as a consequence of the reduction in the volume of the internal chamber caused by the displacement of the resiliently deformable wall from its initial resiliently biased configuration), and closes the outlet at all other times to form an airtight seal. The closure ofthe valve when the pressure in the chamber is below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure prevents air being sucked back through the outlet into the chamber when the applied pressure to the resiliently deformable portion of the body is released and the volume of the chamber increases as the resiliently deformable wall re-assumes its initial resiliently biased configuration.

Any suitable one-way valve assembly that is capable of forming an airtight seal may be provided in the outlet. However, it is necessary that the valve is formed by the component parts of the body of the dispenser nozzle. Most preferably, the valve is formed between the abutment surfaces that define outlet passageway.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the outlet valve is formed by one of the abutment surfaces being resiliently biased against the opposing abutment surface to close off a portion of the length of the outlet passageway. In this regard, the valve will only open to permit fluid to be dispensed from the chamber when the pressure within the chamber is sufficient to cause the resiliently biased abutment surface to deform away from the opposing abutment surface and thereby form an open channel through wliich fluid from the chamber can flow. Once the pressure falls below a predetermined minimum threshold value, the resiliently biased surface will return to its resiliently biased configuration and close off the passageway.

In certain embodiments of the invention, it is especially preferred that the resiliently biased abutment surface is integrally formed with the resiliently deformable portion of the body, which defines the chamber.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the outlet valve is formed by a resiliently deformable member formed on one of said abutment surfaces which extends across the outlet passageway to close off and seal the passageway. The member is mounted to the dispenser nozzle along one of its edges and has another of its edges (preferably the opposing edge) free, the free end being configured to displace when the pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold value. The free end abuts a surface of the outlet channel to form a seal therewith when the pressure is below the predetermined minimum threshold value. However, when the pressure exceeds the predetermined minimum threshold value, the free end of the member is displaced from the abutment surface ofthe channel to form an opening through which the fluid present in the chamber can flow to the outlet. Preferably, the resiliently deformable member is positioned within a chamber formed along the length of the outlet channel or passageway. Most preferably, the abutment surface, which forms the seal with the free end of the member at pressures below the minimum threshold, is tapered or sloped at the point of contact with the free end of the member. This provides a point seal contact and provides a much more efficient seal. It will of course be appreciated that the slope or taper of the abutment surface must be arranged so that the free end of the resiliently deformable member contacts the slope when the pressure within the chamber is below the predetermined minimum threshold, but distends away from it when the predetermined minimum threshold is exceeded.

Alternatively, the valve may be a post or plug formed on the abutment surface of one of the base or upper parts and which contacts the opposing abutment surface to close off and seal the passageway. The post or plug will be mounted to a deformable area of the base or upper part so that when the pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the post or plug can be deformed to define an opening through wliich fluid can flow through the outlet.

The predetermined minimum pressure that must be achieved within the chamber in order to open the outlet valve will depend on the application concerned. A person skilled in the art will appreciate how to modify the properties ofthe resiliently deformable surface by, for example, the selection of an appropriate resiliently deformable material or varying the manner in which the surface is fabricated (e.g. by the inclusion of strengthening ridges).

Inlet valve

To ensure that fluid is only ejected through outlet when the chamber is compressed by displacing the resiliently deformable portion ofthe body into the chamber from its initial resiliently biased configuration, it is necessary to provide a one-way inlet valve disposed at or in the inlet ofthe dispenser nozzle.

Any suitable inlet valve may be used. The inlet valve is preferably adapted to only open and permit fluid to flow into the chamber when the pressure within the chamber falls below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure (as is the case when the pressure applied to the resiliently deformable portion of the chamber to compress the chamber is released and the volume of the chamber increases as the resiliently deformable portion reassumes it's initial resiliently biased configuration). In such cases, the inlet valve may be a flap valve which consists of a resiliently deformable flap positioned over the inlet opening. The flap is preferably resiliently biased against the inlet opening and adapted to deform so as to allow fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below a predetermined nrinimum threshold pressure. At all other times, however, the inlet will be closed, thereby preventing fluid flowing back fiOm the chamber into the inlet. It is especially preferred that the resiliently deformable flap is formed as an integral extension of the resiliently deformable portion ofthe body which defines the chamber. It is also especially preferred that the one part of the body (the base) defines the inlet and the resiliently deformable portion of the body is formed by the second part of the body (typically the upper part). It is therefore the preferred that the second or upper part comprises the resiliently deformable flap that extends within said chamber to cover the inlet opening to the chamber and form the inlet valve.

Air Release/leak Valve

The dispenser nozzle may further comprise an air leak through wliich air can flow to equalise any pressure differential between the interior of the container and the external environment. In some cases, the air leak may simply occur through gaps in the fitting between the dispenser nozzle and the container, but this is not preferred because leakage may occur if the container is inverted or shaken. In preferred embodiments of the invention, however, the dispenser nozzle further comprises an air leak valve, i.e. a one-way valve that is adapted to permit air to flow into the container, but prevents any fluid leaking out ofthe container if it is inverted. Any suitable one-way valve system would suffice. It is preferred, however, that the air leak valve is integrally formed within the body of the dispenser or, more preferably, between two parts of the body ofthe dispenser. Most preferably, the air leak valve is formed between the upper part and base which define the chamber of he dispenser nozzle.

Preferably, the air leak valve comprises a valve member disposed within a channel that is defined by the body of the dispenser nozzle and connects the interior of the fluid supply to the external environment. Most preferably, the valve member is resiliently biased so as to contact the sides of the channel and forms a sealing engagement therewith to prevent any liquid from leaking out of the container, the valve member being further adapted to either resiliently deform or displace from the sealing engagement with the sides ofthe channel to define an opening through which air can flow into the container when pressure within the container falls below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount. Once the pressure differential between the interior and the exterior of the contamer has been reduced to below the minimum threshold pressure, the valve member returns to it position in which the channel is closed.

Preferably, the valve member is in the form of a plunger that extends into the channel and comprises an outwardly extending wall that abuts the sides of the channel to form a seal. Preferably, the outwardly extending wall is additionally angled towards the interior of the container. This configuration means that a high pressure within the container and exerted on the wall of the valve member will cause the wall to remain in abutment with the sides of the channel. Thus, the integrity of the seal is maintained thereby preventing liquid from leaking out through the valve. Conversely, when pressure within the container falls below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount, the wall is deflected away from the sides of the container to permit air to flow into the container to equalise or reduce the pressure differential. It is especially preferred that the plunger is mounted on to a deformable base or flap which is capable of some movement when the dome is pressed to displace any residue that may have accumulated in the air leak valve. In addition, the provision of a moveable (e.g. resiliently deformable) element within the air leak valve is preferred because it helps to prevent the valve becoming clogged during use.

In certain embodiments of the invention it is also preferred that a protective cover is provided over the opening ofthe female tube on the internal surface of the dispenser nozzle to prevent liquid present in the interior of the container fiOin contacting the valve member with a high or excessive force when the container is inverted or shaken aggressively. The cover will allow air and some fluid to flow past, but will prevent fluid impacting on the seal formed by the flared end of the plunger directly, and thus will prevent the seal being exposed to excessive forces. In an alternative embodiment, the channel of the air leak valve may be resiliently deformable instead of the male part. This arrangement can be configured so that the side walls ofthe channel distort to permit air to flow into the container.

The valve member and channel could be made from the same material or different materials. For instance, they may both be made from a semi-flexible plastic or the female element may be made from a rigid plastic and the male part made from a resiliently defoπnable material.

With certain products stored in containers over time there is a problem associated with gas building up inside the bottle over time. To release the build up of pressure, which can inevitably occur, a release valve is required. The air leak valve described above can be modified to additionally perform this function by providing one or more fine grooves in the side of the channel. These fine groove(s) will permit gas to slowly seep out of the container, bypassing the seal formed by the contact ofthe valve member with the sides ofthe channel, but prevent or minimise the volume of liquid that may seep out. Preferably, the groove or grooves formed in the side walls ofthe channel is/are formed on the external side of the point of contact between the valve member and the sides of the channel so that it/they are only exposed when the pressure inside the container increases and acts on the plunger to cause it to deform outwards (relative to the container). The plunger will return to its resiliently biased position in which the grooves are not exposed once any excess gas has been emitted. No liquid product should be lost during this process.

Alternatively, the gas pressure within the container could urge the valve member outwards so that it is displaced from the channel and defines an opening through which the gas could flow.

Seal

In preferred embodiments of the invention in which the chamber is defined between two parts ofthe body, it is preferred that a seal is disposed at the join between the two interconnected parts to prevent any fluid leaking out ofthe dispenser nozzle. Any suitable seal would suffice.

Preferably, the seal comprises a male protrusion formed on the abutment surface of one of the at least two parts that is received in a sealing engagement with a corresponding groove formed on the opposing abutment surface of the other part when the two parts are connected together.

The seal preferably extends around the entire chamber and the sides of the outlet passageway so that fluid leaking from any position within the chamber and or outlet passageway is prevented from seeping between the join between the two component parts.

Dip Tube

A dip tube may be integrally formed with the dispenser nozzle or, alternatively, the body of the dispenser nozzle may comprise a recess into which a separate dip tube can be fitted. The dip tube enables fluid to be drawn from deep inside the container during use.

In most cases it is preferable that the dispenser nozzle is adapted to be fitted to container by some suitable means, e.g. a snap fit or a screw thread connection. In certain cases, however, the dispenser nozzle could be incorporated into a container as an integral part. For instance, the dispenser nozzle could be integrally moulded with various forms of plastic container, such as rigid containers or bags. This is possible because the dispenser nozzle is preferably moulded as a single material and, therefore, can be integrally moulded with containers made from the same or a similar compatible material.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as hereinbefore defined fitted to an opening thereof so as to enable the fluid stored in the container to be dispensed from the container through said dispenser nozzle during use.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as hereinbefore defined integrally formed therewith so as to enable the fluid stored in the container to be dispensed from the container through said dispenser nozzle during use.

According to another aspect ofthe present invention, there is provided a pump-action dispenser nozzle configured to enable fluid to be dispensed from a container, said nozzle having a body which defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the container by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at least a predetermined threshold amount, and wherein said body comprises one or two component parts and at least a portion ofthe body which defines said chamber is configured to:

(i) be displaceable from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in response to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said portion of the body is deformed from said initial configuration to said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be ej ected through the outlet valve; and

(ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing the volume of the chamber to increase and the pressure therein to fall such that fluid is drawn into the chamber through the mlet valve; characterised in that said body ofthe dispenser nozzle further comprises locking means which is integrally formed with the body and is adapted to be moveable between a locked configuration in which the operation of the dispenser nozzle is inhibited and an unlocked configuration in which the dispenser nozzle can be operated. Preferably the dispenser nozzle is as defined above.

In addition, it is also preferable, the part of the body that can be displaced inwards to reduce the volume of the chamber and thereby cause fluid present in said chamber to be ejected through the outlet is a piston mounted within a piston channel. The piston channel may form the entire chamber or, alternatively, just a portion thereof.

Preferably, the dispenser nozzle comprises a means for displacing the piston inwards from its initial position and then subsequently returning it is initial position. This may be achieved by any suitable means, such as, for example, a trigger or over cap connected to the piston which can be operated to displace the piston, when desired. Preferably, the means for displacing the piston inwards from its initial position is resiliently biased so that the piston will be returned to its initial position after use. How the invention may be put into practice will now be described by way of example only, in reference to the following drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an assembled dispenser nozzle ofthe present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base part 401 shown in Figure 1, without the upper part 402 present;

Figure 3 is a perspective view ofthe upper part 402 shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser nozzle shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4B is a further cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 4A;

Figure 5A is a perspective view of an example of an alternative dispenser nozzle ofthe invention in a dissembled configuration;

Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view taken through the dispenser nozzle shown in Figure 5A; Figure 6A is a perspective view of an example of a further dispenser nozzle in a dissembled configuration;

Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken through the dispenser nozzle shown in Figure 6A;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through a dispenser nozzle comprising a locking means according to the present invention; Figures 8A, 8B, 8C and 8D show various illustrations of an alternative dispenser nozzle comprising a locking means according to the invention;

Figures 9A, 9B and 9C show various views of a further embodiment of the present invention; Figures 10A, 10B and 10C show a further a dispenser nozzle equipped with a further alternative form of a locking means according to the invention;

Figures 11A and 11B show yet a further a dispenser nozzle equipped with a further alternative form of a locking means according to the invention; and

Figures 12A and 12B show yet a further a dispenser nozzle equipped with a further alternative form of a locking means according to the invention.

In the following description of the figures, like reference numerals are used to denote like or corresponding parts in different figures, where appropriate.

The dispenser nozzle shown in Figure 1 comprises a body 400 formed of two parts, namely a base part 401 and an upper part 402, which is fitted to the upper surface ofthe base part 401. The base 401 is formed from a rigid plastic material and the upper part 402 is formed from a flexible/resiliently deformable material. The base part 401 comprises a screw-threaded recess in its underside to enable the body to be secured to a screw-threaded neck of a container, effectively forming a screw-threaded cap. The upper part 402 is fitted to the upper surface base part 401, as shown in Figure 1, and forms a substantially dome-shaped protrusion on the upper surface of the body 400. This dome shaped protrusion is the resiliently deformable portion of the body, which can be pressed by an operator to course it to deform inwards to reduce the volume of the internal chamber. This causes fluid to be ejected from the chamber through the outlet orifice 403.

A perspective view of the base part 401 is shown in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 2, the base part 402 comprises a downwardly extending portion 501, the under surface of which is provided with the screw threaded recess previously mentioned. The upper surface of the base 401 has a perimeter edge 504, which encircles a central recessed portion 502. The recessed portion 502 consists of a deeper portion 502a shaped substantially like an inverted dome, which extends to form the lower part of a generally spout-like outlet having an edge 505 that defines a portion of the outlet orifice. In the region of the outlet edge 505 of the base 401, the recessed portion 502 forms an abutment surface 502b, which, together with the upper part 402, defines an outlet passage/valve of the dispenser nozzle leading to the outlet orifice formed by edge 505 and a corresponding edge ofthe upper portion. Positioned within recess 502, and just inside the edge 504, is a channel

506, the significance of which will be come apparent in the discussion of Figures 3 below. Also positioned in the region 502a of the recess 502 is an inlet opening 503, through which fluid may be drawn into the dispenser nozzle from the associated container during use. The opening of the inlet 503 is positioned within a further recess 503 a, the significance of which will again become apparent in the discussion of Figure 3 below.

The under surface of the upper part 402 is shown in more detail in Figure 3 (for the purpose of illustration, the upper part shown in Figure 3 is inverted). The under surface of the upper part 402 is surrounded by lip 601, which, when the upper part 402 is fitted to the base 401, is received within the channel 506 to form a tight seal between the base and the upper part, thereby preventing any fluid leakage occurring at the join between the base 401 and the upper part 402. The under surface of the upper part extends between the lip 601 and assumes the configuration a substantially dome-shaped recess at 602a, wliich aligns with the recessed portion 502a when the base and upper part are connected together, and extends to form an abutment surface at region 602b, which contacts the opposing abutment surface 502b of the base 401 in the assembled dispenser nozzle to define the outlet passageway. The upper part additionally comprises a flap projection 603 which, when the upper surface is fitted to the base 401, sits within the recess 503a and is resiliently biased against the inlet opening 503. The flap projection 603 forms the resiliently deformable valve member ofthe inlet valve. The internal structure and operation of the dispenser nozzle 400 shown in Figure 1 will be better understood by referring to the cross-sectional views shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Referring to Figure 4A, the base 401 comprises recesses 701 and 702 on it's under surface. The recess 701 comprises a screw- thread (not shown) and is circular in profile so that it can be fitted to a circular screw-threaded neck opening of a container. The recess 702 on the other hand is adapted to receive a dip tube 704 and also extends to form the inlet opening 503 of the dispenser valve. The portion 502 of the upper surface 502 of the base 401, together with the portion 602a under surface of the upper part 402, defines an internal chamber 700. The portion 502b of the upper surface, togetlier with the portion 602b of the under surface of the upper part 402 defines an outlet passage which leads to an outlet orifice 403 defined by the edge 505 ofthe base and edge 605 ofthe upper part. Thus, the portion 602a of the upper part 402 is made from a thin section of rigid plastic capable of undergoing a resilient deformation. This portion of the body 400 is therefore the resiliently deformable portion of the body that defines the chamber. The abutment surface formed by portion 602b of the upper part 402 is also configured to resiliently deform from the resiliently biased configuration whereby the outlet passageway is closed, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, to a position in which the passageway is open. Thus, the resiliently deformable outlet passageway effectively forms the outlet valve of the dispenser nozzle. Furthermore, the flap projection 603 of the upper part is received within the recess 503a surrounding the inlet 505 of the chamber to form an inlet flap valve, as previously discussed.

Therefore, during use, the resiliently deformable upper part 402, in the region 602a can be deformed downwards by the application of a pressure by, for example, an operator's finger pressing this region. The application of a pressure causes the volume of the chamber 700 to reduce and the pressure therein to increase. When the pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined minimum threshold value, the abutment surface 602b of the upper part will be caused to deform away from the opposing surface 502b of the base to define an open outlet passageway through which the fluid present in the chamber may pass through and be expelled through the outlet 403 of the dispenser nozzle. It will be appreciated that fluid is prevented from flowing out of the chamber through the inlet by the flap 603. As fluid is ejected, the pressure within the chamber 700 will gradually fall as the fluid present within the chamber is dispensed and when it falls below the nώiimum threshold value the resiliently deformable abutment surface of the outlet passageway 602b will deform back to position whereby it abuts the surface 502b and the and the outlet passageway is closed.

If the pressure applied to the chamber in the region of 602a is then removed, the pressure within the chamber will decrease as the chamber deforms back to the expanded configuration by virtue of its inherent resilience. This reduction in pressure causes fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet because the pressure differential between the inlet 503 and the chamber 700 causes the flap projection 603 to be deflected away from the inlet orifice. Once the portion 602a of the upper part of the body assumes its initial resiliently biased configuration, the flap projection 603 deforms back to the position shown in Figure 4A whereby the inlet is closed. The dispenser could be made by any suitable moulding procedure. For example, the base 401 and upper part 402 could be moulded separately and then connected together either in the same mould or in separate moulds or, alternatively, one of the parts could be moulded first and the other part can be moulded onto the first part.

An alternative dispenser nozzle is shown in Figures 5 A and 5B. This dispenser nozzle is virtually identical to the dispenser nozzle shown in Figures 1 to 4, as shown by the like reference numerals. The sole difference is that the upper part 402 is integrally formed with, and connected to, the base 401 via a hinge or foldable connection 801, as shown in Figure 5 A, which enables the upper part 402 to be folded over to engage the base 401 to form the assembled dispenser nozzle as shown in Figure 5B. The upper part and base are both formed from a rigid plastic material, but, in alternative embodiments, the upper part may comprise a framework of a rigid plastic (the same as that of the base) to which a flexible plastic material is over-moulded.

The main advantage ofthe dispenser shown in Figures 5A and 5B is that the base 401 and the upper part 402 are integrally formed, which means that the entire body of the dispenser can be moulded in a single step from a single material, with all the consequential advantages of reduced costs due to minimal assembly and processing times. For instance, the dispenser could be moulded in the open configuration shown in Figure 5A, and the upper part could then be folded over about the connection element 801 to form the assembled dispenser nozzle.

Figure 6A shows a further embodiment of a dispenser nozzle, which is identical to the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, apart from the fact that this embodiment additionally comprises an air leak valve adapted to permit air to flow into the container from the outside to equalise any pressure differential between the container and the external environment that may exist (but prevent fluid flowing the other way if the container is inverted, for example).

The air leak valve consists of a resiliently deformable valve member 1101, which is received within an opening 1102 ofthe base when the dispenser nozzle is assembled, as shown in Figure 6B. The opening 1102, together with the groove 1103 defines a passageway through which air may flow into the container from the outside in the assembled dispenser nozzle. The tip of the resiliently deformable member 1101 is provided with a flared rim, the edges of which abut the internal walls of the opening 1102 to form an airtight seal. If a reduced pressure exists in the container as a consequence of expelling fluid through the dispenser nozzle, the pressure differential between the interior of the container and the external environment causes the flared rim ofthe member 1101 to deform inwards, thereby permitting air to flow mto the container from the external environment. Once the pressure differential has been equalised, the flared rim returns to its original resiliently biased configuration, as shown in Figure 6B. It shall also be appreciated that if the container is inverted, the product cannot leak past the rim ofthe resiliently deformable member 1101 and any pressure that is applied, by squeezing the container for example, simply pushes the flared rim into tighter abutment with the walls ofthe opening 1102. In an alternative embodiment, the air leak valve may be a post or flap positioned within a hole which can resiliently deform to open the passageway when a pressure differential exists, thereby allowing air to flow into the container from the external environment.

In a further alternative, the resiliently deformable upper part 402 could comprise a fine slit above an opening similar to opening 1102. This slit could be configured to open when a pressure differential exists.

In yet another alternative, the air release may be positioned closer to the resiliently deformable upper part 402 and configured such that, when the upper part is pressed downwards to expel the contents present in the chamber 700, the resiliently deformable member deforms in such a way that the air valve is opened, and air may flow into or out of the chamber to equalise any pressure differential that may exist. A dispenser nozzle comprising a locking means in accordance with the invention is shown in Figure 7. The dispenser shown in Figure 7 comprises many features of the embodiments previously described, as shown by the like referenced numerals. However, there are also a number of modifications.

Specifically, the outlet 403 of the dispenser nozzle 1401 has been modified so that the product is dispensed downwards in the direction of arrow 1405. Of course it shall be appreciated that the outlet may be configured to dispense the product at any angle (e.g. at 30-45° to the vertical).

The outlet passageway has also been further adapted to incorporate a locking means. The locking means comprises a plug 1406 formed on the upper part 402. The plug extends to form a button 1407 on the upper surface of the upper part 402, which can be pressed to urge the plug 1406 into a sealing engagement with the outlet orifice 403, as shown in Figure 7. In this configuration, the plug 1406 seals the outlet 403 and prevents fluid being dispensed from the chamber. To release the seal and permit fluid to be dispensed through the outlet 403, an operator must pull the button 1407 upwards to remove the plug 1406 from the outlet. Once released, the portion 602b of the upper part can resiliently deform away from the abutment surface of the base 502b to define an open outlet passageway when the chamber is compressed. This deformation of portion 602b of the upper part when fluid is flowing towards the outlet 403 also removes the plug from the vicinity of the outlet 403 to define a passageway that fluid can flow through. As soon as the contents of the chamber have been dispensed, the portion 602b and the plug 1406 of the upper part will deform back to close the outlet passageway. In this regard, the plug 1406 sits over the outlet 403 to effectively form a non-return valve, which prevents any air or product being drawn back into the chamber. After use, an operator can press the button 1407 to plug the outlet and prevent any accidental actuation ofthe dispenser nozzle. A generally L-shaped member 1408 having a lip 1408a hangs down from the base ofthe plug 1406 and protrudes through the outlet 403. When the plug is in a sealing engagement with the outlet 403, as shown in Figure 7, the lip 1408a is displaced from the underside of the base. However, when the button 1407 is pulled to remove the plug 1407, the lip 1408a of the member 1408 abuts the underside of the base and prevents the button 1407 being pulled too far. Any other means of preventing the button 1407 from being pulled too far can be used.

The seal formed by the ridge 601 being received within a corresponding groove 506 has also been modified in two respects. Firstly, the seal extends around the entire perimeter of the chamber 700 and additionally, encompasses the outlet passageway defined between the abutment surfaces of portion 502b ofthe base and 602b ofthe upper part. Therefore, a complete seal is formed to prevent fluid seeping between the upper part 402 and the base part 401 and leaking out ofthe nozzle. Secondly, the thickness ofthe ridge protrusion tapers towards its base and the width of the groove 506 tapers correspondingly towards its opening. Hence, the ridge 601 can be pushed, or snap fitted, into the groove 506 to form a tight sealing engagement, which also functions to hold the upper part 402 the base 401 together. The sides of the male protrusion member and the corresponding sides ofthe groove that form the seal can be any shape including straight, upwards taper, one side straight and other tapered, or one side of the protrusion may comprise ridge which is received within a further groove formed in the side wall ofthe groove etc. The flap valve member 603 at the inlet has also been provided with a support arm 603a. The support arm 603a is configured to resiliently bias the flap 603 over the inlet orifice and thereby increases the strength of the seal formed there between, as well as the pressure required to cause the flap 603 to deform away and open the inlet 503 during use.

Figures 8A and 8B show cross-sectional and perspective views respectively of an alternative dispenser nozzle comprising a locking means according to the present invention. The dispenser nozzle shown in these Figures is virtually the same as that shown in Figure 7, except that the body of dispenser nozzle additionally comprises an integrally formed actuator member in the form of an over cap 2001, which is folded over from the front edge ofthe upper surface of the base 401, about a hinged connection 2002 to cover the upper surface of the base 401 as well as the upper part 402, as shown in Figure 8 A. The leading edge 2001a of the handle 2001 extends right over the upper surface of the upper part and is received on a ledge 2003 formed as the rear side ofthe base, wliich forms the locking means. The ledge 2003 prevents the cover being pushed downwards so that protrusions 2004 engage and compress the chamber 700. Thus, the actuation of the dispenser nozzle is inhibited. To release the locking means, the sides ofthe over cap can be squeezed inwards, as shown by arrows 2005 in Figure 8C, to displace the edge 2001a of the handle 2001 from the ledge 2003. The handle 2001 may then be depressed to compress the chamber and dispense the fluid stored therein. The handle 2001 effectively forms a curved rigid surface that the operator can press to actuate the dispensing of fluid from the chamber. The handle 2001 may be curved, as shown in Figures 8A, 8C and 8D, or flat.

The chamber 700 and the protrusion 2004 can be moved further forward to increase the mechanical advantage/efficiency of the dispenser nozzle (by effectively increasing the leverage when the handle is pressed). Figure 9A shows a dissembled embodiment of a dispenser nozzle of the invention in which the base 401 and upper part 402 are disconnected from one another. This embodiment is in effect a simplified version of the embodiment shown in Figures 8 A-D. The base 401 is connected to the upper part 402 by the bendable/foldable connection element 2002 and can be moulded from a single material and extracted from the mould in the configuration shown in Figure 9A. As previously described, the upper part can be swung over and fitted to the upper surface ofthe base 401 to form an assembled dispenser nozzle, as shown in Figure 9B.

Referring to Figure 9B, it can be seen that, in the assembled configuration, the protrusion 601 extending around the perimeter of the upper surface of the base 401 is received in a sealing engagement with a groove 506 formed in the upper part 402 to form a sealed connection between the base 401 and the upper part 402, and the resiliently deformable flap 603 is received within the recess formed in the base surrounding the inlet 503 to form the inlet valve. Both of these arrangements have been previously described above. In contrast to the previously described embodiments, however, the upper part 402 also possess two elements 2501 which comprise indents 2501a adapted to receive the tips of two pivot protrusions 2502 formed on the upper surface of the base 401. This arrangement enables the upper part 402 to pivot relative to the base so that the portion 602a ofthe upper part can be displaced towards the portion 502a ofthe upper surface ofthe base 401 to compress the chamber 700, as shown in Figure 9C. The upper part is resiliently biased to assume the configuration shown in Figure 9B whereby the portions of the base and upper part that define the chamber 700, namely 502a and 602a respectively, are displaced from one another so that the chamber 700 assumes its maximum volume. The resilient bias is provided by the resiliently deformable wall 2504 of the base 401, which can resiliently flex (as shown in Figure 9C) when a downward force is applied in the direction of arrow 2505, to permit the portions 502a and 602a to come closer together and reduce the volume of the chamber 700. When the downward force is removed, the wall 2504 returns to its initial configuration, as shown in Figure 9B.

Thus, an operator can apply a downward force by pressing on the upper part 402 anywhere in the region 2506 to compress the chamber and cause the contents stored therein to displace the plug 1406 from the outlet aperture 403 and enable fluid to be dispensed through the outlet 403. The plug 1406 effectively functions as a pre-compression valve as fluid will only be dispensed from the chamber 700 when the pressure therein is sufficient to displace the plug 1406 from the outlet orifice. When the downward pressure is removed, the chamber 700 re-expands as the wall 2504 returns to its original configuration and the pressure within the chamber will then fall causing more fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet valve.

The main difference between this embodiment and those previously described is that the upper part 402 is configured to remain rigid and the wall 2504 of the base is instead configured to deform to permit the chamber to be compressed. This provides an advantage in that the operator can use any part of their hand, or even arm, to actuate the dispensing of fluid from the container. This arrangement also provides and increased mechanical efficiency and enables the operator to keep in contact with the upper part. The upper part could be made from a flexible material provided the sides wall 2504 is configured to deform preferentially.

Any suitable outlet valve described herein may be used instead of the plug 1406. The dispenser nozzle include a locking means formed by locking member 2510 which is integrally formed with the upper part 402 and can be swung into abutment with the base 401, as shown in Figure 9B, to prevent the upper part 402 from being able to pivot and compress the chamber 700. Hence, the dispenser nozzle is locked and the accidental actuation will be inhibited. The locking member 2510 can be disengaged from the base 401 to enable the dispenser nozzle to be operated in the manner described above.

In certain embodiments ofthe invention, a trigger actuator configured to depress the upper part 402 when the trigger is pulled by an operator may be provided.

The embodiments shown in Figures 8A-D and 9A-C are made from a single, integrally formed component part, as shown. The dispenser nozzle would usually be moulded from a rigid plastic, but could be moulded entirely from a flexible plastic for certain applications. The necessary deformability for certain parts ofthe structure can be provided by making these required sections of a reduced thickness, which imparts the necessary deformability characteristics into the design.

Figures 10A-C show various views of an alternative embodiment of the invention comprising a locking member in the form of a foldably mounted flap

3001, which is integrally formed with the upper part 402 of the body. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the flap extends from the front ofthe dispenser nozzle and stands clear of the outlet in the unlocked configuration. However, when the dispenser nozzle is not in use, the flap 3001 can be folded over to cover the outlet and assume a locked configuration, as shown in Figure IOC. In the locked configuration, a plug 3001a formed on the flap extends into the outlet orifice 403 to form a sealing engagement therewith. The actuation ofthe dispenser nozzle is inhibited in this configuration because fluid flow though the outlet is prevented while the flap covers the outlet. Prior to use, the flap need to be moved into the unlocked configuration shown in Figures 10A and 10B.

A further alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 11 A and 1 IB. In this embodiment, the flap 3001 extends outwards from the front of the dispenser nozzle in the unlocked configuration, as shown in Figure 11 A. The flap can be folded over on to the upper surface of the dispenser nozzle to assume the locked configuration, as shown in Figure 11B. The flap 3001 is configured to snap-fit into the locked configuration, and be retained in this configuration by the engagement ofthe lip 3002 with the side edges ofthe flap. In the locked configuration, the plug 3001a urges the portion 602b ofthe upper part 402 into a tight abutment with the opposing surface 502b, thereby forming a blockage in the outlet passageway. This blockage will remain even when pressure is applied to compress the chamber and, as a consequence, the dispenser nozzle is locked. To use the dispenser nozzle, an operator must flip the flap 3001 into the unlocked position shown in Figure 1 IB.

Figures 12A and 12B show a further alternative embodiment of the present invention provided with an actuator member in the form of an over cap 3101. The over cap 3101 shown in Figures 12A and 12B is fitted over the upper part body of the dispenser nozzle and is slidably mounted thereon. Thus, the over cap can slide downwards from its uppermost the upper position, as shown in Figure 12A so that the protrusion 3104 formed on the under surface of the over cap 3101 engages and deforms the resiliently deformable portion 602a of the upper part 402, thereby compressing the chamber 700 and causing any fluid present therein to be ejected as a spray through the orifice 403 and the orifice 3102 formed in over cap (which aligns with the outlet 403 when the over cap is pressed downwards). The over cap 3101 can then be slid back to its initial position, either by the operator lifting the cap or by a resilient means which urges the cap upwards once any downward pressure is removed. A detent 3105 formed on the over cap abuts the annular detent or lip 3107 formed on the base to limit the upward movement ofthe over cap. The over cap 3101 can also be twisted (as shown by arrow 3108 in Figure 12B) so that the ridges are further engaged by locking detents 3110 to prevent any downward movement, thereby locking the over cap 2001 to prevent accidental actuation of the nozzle arrangement. To use the dispenser nozzle, it must therefore be firstly unlocked by twisting the over cap 3101 so that the locking detents 3110 no longer engage one another and the over cap can be pressed downwards.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 12B the body of the dispenser nozzle comprises two component parts. The base 401 and upper part 402 are integrally formed as a single component part connected by a foldable/bendable connection element (not shown), whereas the slidably mounted over cap 3101 forms the second component part.

It shall be appreciated that the description of the embodiments of the invention described in reference to the figures is intended to be by way of example only and should not construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A pump-action dispenser nozzle adapted to enable fluid stored in a fluid source to be dispensed from a container during use, said nozzle having a body which defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the fluid source by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow out ofthe chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein said body comprises one or two component parts and at least a portion of the body which defines said chamber is configured to: (i) resiliently deform from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in response to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said portion of the body is deformed from said initial configuration to said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be ejected through the outlet valve; and

(ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing the volume of the chamber to increase and the pressure therein to fall such that fluid is drawn into the chamber through the inlet valve;

characterised in that said body ofthe dispenser nozzle further comprises a locking means which is integrally formed with the body and is adapted to be moveable between a locked configuration in wliich the operation of the dispenser nozzle is inhibited and an unlocked configuration in which the dispenser nozzle can be operated.

2. A pump-action dispenser nozzle configured to enable fluid to be dispensed from a container in the form of a spray, said nozzle having a body which defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through wliich fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the container by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow out ofthe chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at least a predetermined threshold amount, and wherein said body comprises one or two component parts and at least a portion of the body which defines said chamber is configured to:

(i) be displaceable from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in response to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said portion of the body is deformed from said initial configuration to said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be ejected through the outlet valve; and

3. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the locking means is a bar or member that is moveable between an unlocked position in which the dispenser nozzle can be operated to a locked configuration in which it engages the outlet of the dispenser nozzle so as to prevent the flow of fluid through the outlet when a pressure is applied to the resiliently deformable portion ofthe body.

4. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the locking means is a rigid cover that can be selectively disposed in a locked configuration whereby it covers the resiliently deformable portion of the body to prevent a pressure being applied to this portion of the body to compress the chamber.

5. A dispenser nozzle according to clahn 4, wherein the cover is connected to the dispenser nozzle by a hinged or foldable connection to enable it to be moveable into and out ofthe locked position.

6. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the body of the dispenser nozzle further comprises an actuator member which is configured to engage and displace the resiliently deformable portion of the body in response to the application of a pressure by an operator.

7. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 6, wherein the actuator is an over cap that an operator presses to cause the resiliently deformable portion of the body to deform.

8. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 6, wherein the actuator member is a trigger actuator which comprises a trigger handle that can be pulled by an operator so that an engagement portion of the trigger handle engages the resiliently deformable portion of the body and causes it to deform from its resiliently biased position.

9. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 6to 8, wherein the locking means is configured in the locked configuration to engage the actuator member and the body ofthe dispenser nozzle so as to prevent the movement of the actuator member relative to the body.

10. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 9, wherein the locking means is a hinged member that moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position in which it is disposed between and engages a portion of the actuator and the body to prevent the movement of the actuator member relative to the body.

11. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 8, wherein the actuator member is a slidably mounted over cap adapted to slide relative to the body of the dispenser nozzle to facilitate the compression ofthe chamber during use.

12. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 11, wherein the over cap comprises locking detents adapted to selectively engage corresponding detents formed on the over cap to prevent its movement relative to the body of the dispenser nozzle.

13. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 12, wherein the locking detents are selectively engaged with one another by twisting the over cap relative to the body ofthe dispenser nozzle.

14. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the actuator member is integrally formed with the body.

15. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 14, wherein the actuator member is linked to the body by a foldable connection element and is configured to pivot about the connection element to enable the said portion ofthe body to be deformed.

16. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking means comprises a plug which is selectively moveable into and out of a locking engagement with the outlet.

17. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 16, wherein the outlet comprises a passageway extending from the chamber to an outlet orifice, said outlet passageway being defined between two parts of the body and wherein the plug is formed on one of said parts and is configured so that it can be pushed into a locking engagement with a formation formed on the opposing part of the body to form a blockage in the outlet which can only be removed by an operator removing the plug prior to use.

18. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said nozzle is adapted to be fitted to an opening of a container so as to enable fluid stored in said container to be dispensed during use.

19. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said nozzle is integrally formed with said container so as to enable fluid stored in said container to be dispensed during use.

20. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body ofthe dispenser nozzle comprises two or more interconnected parts, which, when connected together define the chamber.

21. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 20, wherein the chamber of the dispenser nozzle is defined between two interconnected parts ofthe body.

22. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 20 or 21, wherein said two or more interconnected parts that define the chamber also between them define at least a portion of the outlet of the dispenser nozzle, or a passageway leading to the outlet from the chamber.

23. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein one of said parts is formed from a resiliently deformable material and the other of said parts is formed from a rigid plastic material.

24. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 23, wherein the dispenser nozzle comprises a rigid base and a flexible/resiliently deformable upper part fitted to the base.

25. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein said parts are integrally formed with one another from a rigid or a flexible plastic material.

26. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein one of said parts is adapted to be fitted to the opening of a container.

27. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 26, wherein said part also preferably defines the inlet as well as a portion ofthe passageway leading from the chamber to the outlet.

28. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 26 or 27, wherein a second of said parts forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body defining the chamber.

29. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the outlet valve is formed by the respective parts of the body of the dispenser nozzle.

30. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the inlet valve is formed by the respective parts ofthe body ofthe dispenser nozzle.

31. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body of the dispenser nozzle further comprises an air leak valve through which air can flow to equalise any pressure differential between the interior ofthe fluid supply and the external environment, but prevents any fluid leaking out ofthe container if it is inverted.

32. A dispenser nozzle according to claim 2, wherein said displaceable portion ofthe body is a piston mounted in a piston cylinder.

33. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the body comprises two component parts.

34. A dispenser nozzle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises a single component part.

35. A container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as defined in claims 1 to 34 fitted to an opening thereof so as to enable the fluid stored in the container to be dispensed from the container through said dispenser nozzle during use.

36. A container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as defined in claims 1 to 34 integrally formed therewith so as to enable the fluid stored hi the container to be dispensed from the container through said dispenser nozzle during use.