DISPENSING CLOSURE WITH OBSTRUCTED, OFFSET,

NON-LINEAR FLOW PROFILE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[01] This application is related to and claims priority from U. S Non-

Provisional Patent Application No. 11/849,860 filed September 4, 2007, and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/893,883 filed March 8, 2007

and earlier filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/824,322 filed

September 1, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] The present invention relates to container closures, and more particularly

to squeeze-type container dispensing closures.

[03] There are two major trends occurring in the design of dispensing

containers and closures. The first trend is a focus on providing a "clean pour"

during dispensing of the product. Many food products, such as mustard and

ketchup, have a high viscosity and require the user to tip the container, shake

down the product and then squeeze the container to dispense the product. Past

dispensing closures tended to leak product onto the top deck of the closure after

dispensing, creating a messy appearance and often requiring cleaning to reseal

the closure. The current emphasis in "clean pour" design is on preventing

spurting of the product when the container is inverted to the dispensing position

and/or shaken down, and creating a "suck-back" effect as pressure is released

from the container to draw the product back into the closure.

[04] A second trend is a growing number of dispensing containers and

closures being designed so that they can be stored in an inverted position, i.e.

cap down. In this regard, the product is always located right at the dispensing

closure for easy dispensing right from storage. This reduces the need to tip and

shake the container to push the product down to the dispensing closure. There

is a balance however, between having the product at the closure for dispensing

and the need to prevent the product from immediately spurting out once the lid

of the closure is opened.

[05] Both of these trends have resulted in the design of dispensing closures

having various types of valve structures that facilitate both a clean pour and

inverted storage. For example, a silicone valve structure is illustrated and

described in US Patent No. 5,271 ,531. While these silicone valves have been

widely accepted by both the manufacturers and the consumers, they are

somewhat more difficult to manufacture, as they require several inter-fitting

parts, and thus they tend to be more expensive than traditional one-piece

dispensing closures.

[06] Another perceived drawback to the silicone valve closure is that they are

constructed out of two different types of plastic and thus, from a recycling

standpoint, they are more difficult to recycle because the silicone valve must be

separated from the plastic closure body for recycling. While this is not a major

issue in the United States, at least yet, it is currently a major issue in Europe

where recycling is extremely important and even mandated in some countries.

[07] Other designs of dispensing closures focus on the use of interior

partitions to slow the flow of the product exiting the dispensing orifice. For

example, US Patent No. 5,123,575 discloses a design of a dispensing closure

having multiple chambers. This patent discloses a container for motor oil with

three interior chambers, namely a primary chamber between the first partition

and the bottom wall, a secondary partition between the first and second

partitions and a tertiary chamber between the top wall and the second partition.

While the concept of the design may provide the desired flow characteristics,

the design is virtually impossible to mold using conventional injection molding

or blow molding techniques and thus is not commercially feasible.

[08] U.S. Patent No. 5,819,994 also discloses a dispensing closure using

multiple chambers. This patent discloses a flow controlling cap for a fluid

(water) container that controls fluid flow by means of gravity and pressure, and

has a first chamber formed by a first hollow cylinder and a second chamber

formed by a second hollow cylinder having a greater diameter than the first

hollow cylinder. While the circuitous path of this design is effective for water,

the flow characteristics of water are different than other viscous fluids and thus

the design is not believed to be suited for other more viscous products. In

short, it would be difficult to force viscous fluids through the multi-chamber

design.

[09] Accordingly, there exists a need in the industry for a one-piece

dispensing closure that provides a "clean pour" and prevents premature flowing

of viscous product prior to squeezing the dispensing container. In addition,

there exists a need a design of a dispensing closure that is easy to mold and

made of one type of recyclable plastic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[10] The present invention preserves the advantages of existing dispensing

closures while providing new advantages not found in currently available

dispensing closures and overcoming many disadvantages of such currently

available dispensing closures.

[1 1] The general concept of the present invention is to provide a non-linear

flow path from an interior of the dispensing closure to an exterior of the

dispensing closure so that the product does not immediately spurt out upon

opening of the closure lid and/or inverting and shaking the container to move

the product toward the dispensing orifice.

[ 12] Generally, each of the embodiments comprises a closure body having an

upper deck and a skirt depending from the upper deck where the skirt is

configured and arranged to mount to a product container (not shown). The

product container may be a conventional squeeze-type container or an inverted

type container. Preferably, the skirt is internally threaded for threaded

mounting on a product container.

[13] A flow conduit extends through the upper deck for the passage of a

viscous product, such as a condiment (i.e. ketchup or mustard). The flow

conduit includes an entry orifice (inside the container) having an entrance axis

and an exit orifice (outside the container) having an exit axis. In each of the

embodiments, the entrance axis is offset from the exit axis to provide a non¬

linear flow path from the interior of the closure to the exterior of the closure.

[14] In a first embodiment, the entrance orifice is a located in the side wall of

the flow conduit, wherein the entrance axis is perpendicular to the exit axis.

The bottom wall of the flow conduit thus prevents the direct flow of product

into the flow conduit along the exit axis.

[15] In another embodiment, the flow conduit is expanded to the side, and the

entrance orifice is located in a bottom wall of the flow conduit but offset from

the exit orifice. The entrance axis is parallel to but not co-linear with (i.e.

offset) the exit orifice. Again, the bottom wall of the flow conduit thus

prevents the direct flow of product into the flow conduit along the exit axis.

[16] In yet another embodiment, the flow conduit includes a suspended

central disc, which forms a bottom wall. The central disc is suspended within

the flow conduit by four downwardly depending arms, each distal end of the

depending arms being attached to the central disc and each proximal end of the

depending arms being attached to the interior wall of the flow conduit. This is

essentially a modification of the first "side entry" embodiment, but now with

four entrance orifices having entrance axes that are perpendicular to the exit

axis.

[17] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a one-piece

low cost dispensing closure that does not include a valve structure.

[18] It is a further object of the embodiment to provide a dispensing closure

having a "clean-pour" dispensing characteristic.

[19] Another object of the embodiment is to provide a dispensing closure

having a sufficient flow restriction, either within the flow path or surrounding

the flow path, to counter product head pressure created by either storing the

product in an inverted condition, or head pressure created when an upright

container is quickly inverted to dispense product.

[20] Another object of the embodiment is to provide an obstructed flow path

or a non-linear flow path from an interior of the dispensing closure to an

exterior of the dispensing closure. Another object of the embodiment is to

provide a flow conduit that allows product to flow freely upon squeezing while

also providing a passive flow restriction.

[21] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become

apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection

with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[22] The novel features which are characteristic of the dispensing closure are

set forth in the appended claims. However, the dispensing closure, together

with further embodiments and attendant advantages, will be best understood by

reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the

accompanying drawing Figures.

[23] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a dispensing

closure constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[24] Fig. IA is a diagrammatical view thereof showing the flow path;

[25] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a dispensing

closure constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[26] Fig. 2A is a diagrammatical view thereof showing the flow path;

[27] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a dispensing

closure constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

[28] Fig. 4 is a top view thereof;

[29] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view thereof as taken along line 5-5 of

Fig.3;

[30] Fig. 6 is a bottom view thereof; and

[31] Fig. 6A is a diagrammatical view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[32] Referring now to the drawings, the dispensing closure 10 of the instant

invention is illustrated in Figs. 1-6. As will hereinafter be more fully described,

the instant dispensing closure 10 includes a unique flow conduit arrangement,

which includes an offset, obstructed, and non-linear flow path. The unique

arrangement provides anti-spurting both in upright and inverted containers as

well as "suck-back" for cleaner product dispensing, i.e. "clean pour".

[33] Generally, each of the embodiments includes a closure body 20 having

an upper deck 30, and a skirt 40 depends from the upper deck 30 where the skirt

40 is configured and arranged to mount to a product container (not shown),

such as a conventional squeeze-type container or an inverted-type container.

Preferably, the skirt 40 is internally threaded for threaded mounting on a

product container. However, it is to be understood that other skirt mounting

arrangements are also contemplated within the scope of the invention, and the

invention should not be limited to the inwardly threaded skirt as the only means

for mounting.

[34] Referring briefly to Figs. 3-6, this embodiment includes a closure lid 130

and a living hinge structure 140 connecting the closure lid 130 to the closure

body 20. It is to be understood that any of the embodiments may optionally

include a closure lid 130, and the lack of such a lid in any of the illustrated

embodiments is not to be construed as a limitation. In fact, most of the

commercial embodiments will likely include a lid structure. However, for

purposes of describing the preferred flow conduits, it was not deemed necessary

to show the lid 130 in each embodiment.

[35] Referring back to Figs. 1 and IA, a flow conduit 50 extends through the

upper deck 30 for the passage of a viscous product, such as a food condiment

(i.e. ketchup or mustard). The flow conduit 50 is generally defined by an

interior wall 50C, an exterior wall 50F, and a bottom wall 50G (baffle). The

flow conduit 50 includes an entrance orifice 50A (inside the container) having

an entrance axis X and an exit orifice 50B (outside the container) having an exit

axis Y. In each of the embodiments, the entrance axis X is offset from the exit

axis Y to provide a non-linear flow path (see arrows F2) from an interior 60 of

the closure 10 to an exterior 100 of the closure 10.

[36] In the first embodiment as illustrated in Figs. 1 and IA, the entrance

orifice 5OA is located in the side-wall of the flow conduit 10, wherein the

entrance axis X is perpendicular to the exit axis Y. The bottom wall 5OG of the

conduit thus prevents the direct flow of product (see arrows P - Fig. IA) into

the flow conduit along the exit axis Y and acts as a baffle to counter product

head pressure created by either storing the product in an inverted condition, or

head pressure created when an upright container is quickly inverted to dispense

product. Flow of the product is shown by arrow F2.

[37] The baffling effect is also enhanced by the passage of the product from

the container, through the small entrance orifice 50A and into the interior of the

flow conduit 50. The velocity of the product will increase as it travels through

the entrance orifice 50A. However, the velocity of the product then decreases

as it travels into the larger interior volume of the flow conduit 50 before it

leaves through the exit orifice 50B. Spurting thus occurs into the interior of the

flow conduit 50 and not directly out of the exit orifice. Accordingly, when the

container is inverted, and is rapidly shaken up and down by a user to dispense

the product, the product first decelerates into the larger volume interior flow

conduit 50, and does not spurt out the exit orifice 5OB. When pressure is

applied to the squeeze container, the product is then forced out of the exit

orifice 5OB.

[38] It is to be noted that the dimensions of the flow conduit 50 are adjustable,

depending upon the viscosity of the product stored within an interior 60 of the

dispensing closure 10. For example, ketchup has a lower viscosity than

mustard. If ketchup is contained within the interior 60 of the dispensing closure

10, it may be desirable for the flow conduit 50 to be smaller in size or

dimension to achieve a lower flow volume for the ketchup. It is also noted, that

the invention is equally applicable to viscous products other than food

condiments, such as shampoos, gels, etc..

[39] Now referring to Figs. 2 and 2A, a second embodiment of the dispensing

closure illustrated and generally indicated at 1 OA. In this second embodiment,

the flow conduit 50 is expanded to the side, and the entrance orifice 50A is

located in a bottom wall 50G, but offset from the exit orifice 50B. The entrance

axis X is parallel to but not co-linear with the exit axis Y. Again, the bottom

wall 5OG of the flow conduit prevents the direct flow of product (see arrows P -

Fig. 2A) into the flow conduit 50 along the exit axis Y. Flow of the product is

shown by arrow F2.

[40] All of the operational descriptions provided herein above for the first

embodiment of the dispensing closure 10 are applicable to the second

embodiment of the dispensing closure 1OA as well.

[41 ] Now referring to Figs. 3-6, a third embodiment of the dispensing closure

is illustrated and generally indicated at 1OB. As mentioned previously, the

embodiment of the dispensing closure 1 OB has a closure lid 130 attached to the

closure body 20 of the dispensing closure. A living hinge structure 140 is used

to connect the closure lid 130 and the closure body 20 to control the movement

of the closure lid 130.

[42] The flow conduit 50 includes a suspended central disc 1 10, which forms

a bottom wall of the conduit. The central disc 1 10 is suspended within the flow

conduit 50 by four downwardly depending arms (120 A-D), each distal end of

the depending arms (120A-D) being attached to the central disc 110 and each

proximal end of the depending arms (120A-D) being attached to the interior

wall 50C of the flow conduit 50.

[43] In a preferred embodiment, the four depending arms (120A-D) are

equally spaced around an outer edge of the central disc 110. Alternatively,

more than four arms or less than four depending arms (120A-D) may be

dispersed in a non-uniform manner along the outer edge of the central disc 110.

[44] The third embodiment 1 OB is essentially a modification of the first "side-

entry" embodiment 10, but with four entrance orifices 50A having entrance

axes X that are perpendicular to the exit axis Y.

[45] Based on the disclosure above, the embodiments provide a one-piece

dispensing closure. Also, the embodiments provide a one-piece dispensing

closure having a "clean-pour" dispensing characteristic. Furthermore, the

embodiments provide a one-piece dispensing closure having a sufficient flow

restriction within the flow path to counter product head pressure created by

either storing the product in an inverted condition, or head pressure created

when an upright container is quickly inverted to dispense product.

[46] It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes

and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without

departing from the spirit of the embodiments. All such modifications and

changes are intended to be covered by the appended claims.