TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for squeeze dispensing fluids held in a container in predetermined doses at repeatable volumes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Fluids, and particularly liquids, may need to be dispensed from containers in specific volumes or doses. However, when opaque or non-transparent containers are utilized, it may be difficult for the user to accurately and consistently dispense the fluid in its desired amount.

[0003] One of the most common solutions to this problem is simply to provide a dosing cup having markings at the desired volumes or dose amounts. This approach required the user to position herself at a proper angle to read these markings and to ensure that the proper amount of fluid is deposited into the dosing cup.

[0004] United States Patents 7,793,803; 5,238,156; 5,014,881; 4,863,070; and 3,828,985 disclose various dosing devices. Generally speaking, many prior art designs relied upon one or more bellows or collapsible members, in conjunction with biasing members, to urge the various components into the arrangements necessary to measure and/or dispense the fluid. Still other designs tend to incorporate movable pistons or plungers to accomplish these and other aims.

[0005] Of course, the use of bellows and flexing or collapsible wall sections gives rise to the possibility of wear and eventually mechanical failure of these parts. Further, as user trends have evolved, many current applications rely on squeeze-activated mechanisms rather than gravity feeds (which necessitate an inverted container/dispenser) or conventional pumps.

[0006] A squeeze-action design that did not rely on flexing bellows would be welcomed. Such designs might also decrease complexity and the associated cost of manufacturing. SUMMARY

[0007] A dispenser with a predetermined dosing functionality is contemplated. The dispenser may be integrated within the closure for a container. The dispenser includes a squeeze-activated piston positioned proximate to a dosing chamber so as to force fluid into the dosing chamber in a predetermined amount. In doing so, the inner facing sealing portion of the piston (i.e., the side of the piston proximate to and interfacing with the container) closes off the internal inlet to the dosing chamber. Simultaneously, an outer facing plunger portion of the piston advances until an opening is created in the space between the plunger and the closure outlet. This forward movement of the entire piston also creates an outlet within the dosing chamber so that the previously admitted fluid is expelled in a predetermined, measured dose through the outlet. A biasing member urges the piston away from the outlet once the squeezing pressure is removed, thereby returning the piston to its resting position and allowing for fluid from the container to once again be squeezed into the dosing chamber.

[0008] While a conventional spring made from stainless steel or other inert and non reactive materials is contemplated, alternative embodiments may include the use of flexing arms and/or magnets to urge the piston into position. Also, in all embodiments, the forward motion of the plunger during dispensing is sufficiently protracted to expel all fluid from the dosing chamber and to admit make-up air through the outlet and dosing chamber and back into the internal volume of the fluid container to ensure reliable squeeze-dispensing is maintained.

[0009] Specific reference is made to the appended claims, drawings, and description below, all of which disclose elements of the invention. While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any information on/in the drawings is both literally encompassed (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively encompassed (e.g., ratios for respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are with reference to inches, and any printed information on/in the drawings form part of this written disclosure.

[0011] In the drawings and attachments, all of which are incorporated as part of this disclosure:

[0012] Figure 1 is a cross sectional side view of the container and dispenser, in the closed or inoperable state, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0013] Figure 2 is an exploded cross section side view of the dispenser of Figure 1.

[0014] Figure 3A is a cross sectional side view of the dispenser in callout A of Figure 1.

[0015] Figure 3B is a cross sectional side view of the dispenser in Figure 3A, with the flip cap rotated into its open position.

[0016] Figure 4 is a cross sectional side view, identical to that shown in Figure 3A, but with the dispenser in the open or operable state.

[0017] Figure 5 A includes a cross sectional side view, similar to that in Figure 1, illustrating an alternative embodiment having a stainless steel spring arm, which is shown in a three dimensional perspective view in the callout 5A.

[0018] Figure 5B includes a cross sectional side view, similar to that in Figure 1, illustrating an alternative embodiment having an elastic bellows (made from polyethylene, rubber, silicone, or other similar materials), which is shown in a three dimensional perspective view in the callout 5B.

[0019] Figure 5C includes a cross sectional side view, similar to that in Figure 1, illustrating an alternative embodiment having one or more magnets positioned within the piston and/or closure to create magnetic biasing force.

[0020] Figure 6 includes a cross sectional side view, similar to that in Figure 1, illustrating an alternative embodiment having an anti-drip valve member, which is shown in a three dimensional perspective view in the callout 6.

[0021] Figure 7 includes a cross sectional side view, similar to that in Figure 1, illustrating an alternative embodiment having a single, unitary piston, which is shown in a three dimensional perspective view in the callout 7.

[0022] Figure 8A is a cross sectional side view of the container and dispenser, in the closed or inoperable state, according to a second aspect of the invention. [0023] Figure 8B is a cross sectional side view, identical to that shown in Figure 8A, but with the dispenser in the open or operable state.

[0024] Figure 8C is an exploded cross section side view of the dispenser of Figure 8A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0026] As used herein, the words“example” and“exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words“example” or“exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word“or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase“A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles“a” and“an” are generally intended to mean“one or more” unless context suggest otherwise. It will be noted that while the description uses“upward” and“downward” and cognate terms as if the dispensing assembly had the outlet at the top e.g. as when rested on a surface, this is just for convenience of understanding and in use the assembly may be substantially inverted or tilted. Thus“outward” and“inward” could be substituted for “upward” and“downward” and their cognate terms.

[0027] The descriptions and drawings in this disclosure, and any written matter within the drawings should be deemed to be reproduced as part of this specification.

[0028] With reference to Figures 1 through 8C, dispensing system 10 comprises a squeeze container 20 and measured dosing closure 30.

[0029] Container 20 may be a hollow tubular container of any shape e.g. cylindrical. Sidewalls 22 and/or bottom panel 23 (if present) are of sufficient flexibility and resilience to allow a user to depress the container 20 inward to squeeze out product and then recover the shape. An opening 24 is disposed at one end of the neck, with an engagement feature 26, such as threads or fittings cooperating with corresponding structure situated on closure 30, allow for the selective attachment (and, in some cases, detachment) of the closure 30.

[0030] Closure 30 has a cylindrical and/or cup-like shape so as to fit within and selectively seal the opening 24. An outer shell 31 coaxially surrounds an inner chamber wall 32. Threads or other engagement features 36 can be positioned on an inward face of shell 31 , so as to twistingly engage feature 26 and secure the closure 30 to the container 20. Thus, shell 31 is spaced sufficiently apart from the chamber wall 32 as to receive the container neck and threads 26 between them.

[0031] A top wall 33 connects shell 31 and wall 32 at a top end. An external outlet opening 34 is provided at the top of the closure, through the wall 33, preferably in line with a central axis of the closure 30 and container 20 combination. An outlet barrier wall 35 also extends inwardly from the external opening 34 along the central axis, coaxially nested within the chamber wall 32. The chamber wall 32 defines a dosing chamber 70. The outlet barrier wall 35 extends downward into the dosing chamber 70 and defines an outlet recess 40 along its interior. The outlet recess 40 has an inner (lower) opening 41 communicating with the dosing chamber. The barrier wall 35 has a smaller diameter region adjacent the lower opening 41 and a transition to a larger diameter region towards the external opening 34.

[0032] A hinged cap 37 may be incorporated into closure 30. Engagement features on an underside of the cap facing the outlet 34 may cooperate with corresponding features proximate the outlet 34 to allow for the selectively sealing and closure of outlet 34. Cap 37 may also be provided as a separate, removable piece. In addition to or in place of a cap 37, an anti-drip nozzle 38 may be positioned within the outlet. Anti-drip nozzle may be an elastomeric, slit-type valve as shown in Figure 6 or a duckbill-style valve as shown in Figure 8C

[0033] Outlet recess 40 faces and fluidically connects to the exterior of the system 10 via outlet opening or exterior opening 34. Recess 40 is defined by valve or cap 37 (if any), barrier wall 35 and lower aperture 41.

[0034] A movable piston 50 includes a upper portion plunger head 51 which seals off the outlet recess 40 to ensure fluid does not escape or leak out of the container 20. Biasing member 60, such as a coil spring, is fitted within the space between walls 32, 35. The bottom end of spring 60 rests upon the lower portion 55 of piston 50, while the upper end of spring 60 engages wall 33. In this manner, spring 60 urges the piston 50 away from the outlet 34 and creates a default closed or inoperable state for the system 10.

[0035] Upper head or upper plunger 51 may include an elongated, cylindrical stem 52 which connects to the lower portion or dispensing head 56 of the piston 50. Above and potentially integral to stem 52, a sealing wall or plug 53 is formed to engage and seal a flange or seat formed around the lower aperture 41. Wall 53 may have vertical sidewalls and a horizontal flange, or it may be given a conical shape so as to ensure the piston 50 seals and remains seated within the lower aperture 41. In the closed position the sealing wall or plug 53 forms a plug blocking the lower, smaller diameter region of the outlet recess 40 as shown.

[0036] At an opposite end from upper plunger 51 , a lower head or dispensing head 55 is provided. Plunger 51 and dispensing head 55 may be formed separated and attached or fastened together according to known means (e.g., snap-fittings, screw-fitting, adhesive, one or more fasteners, etc.), or these parts may be formed integrally as a single unit. Generally speaking, dispensing head 55 may be cup-shaped and may encompass a larger volume/footprint in comparison to the size and shape of the plunger head 51.

[0037] In some embodiments, dispensing head 55 includes a an elongated cylindrical stem 56, with an engagement feature to couple to the upper stem 52. Along the lowest end of piston 50, a dispensing cup 57 is shaped to receive and move upward in response to fluid pressure created when the container 20 is squeezed and/or inverted. In order to activate the dose dispensing functionality of system 10, the force exerted on cup 57 must be greater than the biasing force exerted by member 60.

[0038] In the embodiment contemplated in Figures 8 A through 8C, piston 50 includes a plunger head 51 substantially as described above. However, the lower portion only comprises the elongated stem 52. In place of a dispensing head or cup, a dispensing seat 58 is provided. Seat 58 includes an indentation 59 to receive the stem 52. Seat 58 also defines the lower boundary of the dosing chamber 70. Seat 58 may slide up and down within the chamber walls 32 to reveal aperture 41 within/proximate to a portion of sidewall 32. Biasing member 60 also rests on seat 58 to facilitate movement. The underside of seat 58 (i.e., the portion facing and in contact with the internal volume of container 20, including any fluid held therein) is shaped to receive and respond to internal pressure, similar to cup 57.

[0039] Biasing member 60 urges the dispensing head 51 downward into the dosing chamber 70 of the container 20. Notably, the size/volume of chamber 70, in combination with the allowable axial movement of the piston 50 ensures that a substantially constant and consistent volume of fluid will be dispensed, particularly when the container 20 is inverted in a dispensing orientation. The lower end of piston 50 is similarly urged downward, while inlet 43 cooperates with channels/recesses on the piston 50 to allow fluid to flow into the chamber 70. Thus, when the piston 50 is urged into its closed position, chamber 70 has at least one port or inlet 43 exposed to and in fluid communication with the fluid carried within container 20. More generally, the lower end of the chamber wall is formed with an inlet port, e.g. as one or more slots or gaps between intervening wall portions of the chamber wall, such that it remains open over an initial stage of upward (outward) movement of the piston from the closed position, allowing product into the dosing chamber. Then the lower head of the piston passes the end of the port(s) and closes off flow from the container into the dosing chamber. Chamber wall portions adjacent the port can guide the lower piston head in the initial stage.

[0040] When the container 20 is squeezed, this action forces fluid through the port 43 and into chamber 70 until it is completely filled to its predetermined level. This squeezing action also creates sufficient fluid pressure at dispensing head 55 to overcome the biasing force of member 60. Once this occurs, piston 50 compresses the biasing member 60 and advances the piston 50 axially outward, eventually creating a temporary outlet port through to the previously sealed end of outlet 34 at the outer end of outlet recess 40. For example as show, plug 53 of outer/upper piston head moves from the smaller diameter region into the larger diameter region of the outlet recess 40, opening up the recess for flow to the external outlet 34. Simultaneously or previously, as mentioned, the movement of dispensing head 55 also temporarily blocks port 43, thereby sealing the fluid chamber 70 and preventing the dispensing or unwanted escape of any excess fluid (i.e., beyond that which entered the dosing chamber 70) out of container 20.

[0041] Once the fluid is completely ejected from the chamber 70, make-up air can flow back into the fluid chamber through the same path originally taken by the dispensed fluid. In this manner, equilibrium is maintained between the interior of the container 20 and the ambient environment.

[0042] Notably, the biasing force of member 60, the volume of chamber 70, the inlet port position and the length of piston 50 between the inner and outer heads must all be selected to ensure the proper sequence of events (as described herein) occur completely and reliably. In particular, the chamber 70 should be filled before the plunger head 51 is displaced to open the outlet 34. In the same manner, lower dispensing head 55 must block inlet port 43 simultaneously with or prior to the outlet 40 being opened, so as to avoid unrestricted flow from the container through the chamber 70 and out of the outlet 34. Finally, the resilience of the container 20 must be selected to cooperate with the force exerted by the biasing member 60. More specifically, the force required to compress member 60 should be less than or equal to the squeeze-activated force required to compress the container 20.

[0043] While biasing member 60 is illustrated as being exposed to dosing chamber 70, it may be possible to provide walls to seal off and avoid contact between the member 60 and the fluid carried within the container 20. Additionally or alternatively, plastic or non-metal parts can be used as the biasing member 60, including opposing polarity magnets 61 situated in or proximate to the outlet recess 40 and the dispensing head 55. To the extent accordion- style bellows 62 are employed, a rigid support sleeve 63 could be used to keep the biasing member assembly 60 positioned properly.

[0044] Notably, maintaining sufficient inflow of make-up air is important to ensure the user is able to initiate new squeeze-activated dispensing with minimal effort. If insufficient air flows back into the container, it may become impossible to displace enough fluid into the dosing chamber on future dispensing attempts (primarily because the container sidewalls 22 can only be squeezed to a certain point). The suction created by the resilient expansion of container 20 after dispensing may also serve to draw make-up air back into the container, as well as to facilitate the movement of piston 50 back into its seated position.

[0045] With respect to the alternatives contemplated in Figures 5A and 5B, designs relying upon a plastic spring or biasing arm(s) may be fully recyclable. Alternative silicone accordion-style bellows might also be possible, although the material is sufficiently resilient to serve continually as a biasing member and— equally important— one or more slits may be formed within portions or entire axial strips of the sidewalls so as to allow fluid to flow freely around the bellows (rather than solely within them). In Figure 5C, magnetized biasing action would eliminate the need for compressing or otherwise subjecting components to extreme stresses. Other iterations of these concepts are possible as well.

[0046] Furthermore, one or more valve devices, including (but not limited to) an anti- drip polymer, silicone, and/or rubberized type resiliently slit valve, may be disposed within or proximate to the outlet recess 40. Further, frangible and/or other tamper evident features may be incorporated on the flip cap and/or the connection of the closure neck to provide evidence of when these originally sealed connections might have first been compromised. Finally, as noted above, the piston 50 may be formed integrally as single piece, rather than forming and connecting the plunger head 51 and dispensing head 55 separately.

[0047] In one aspect herein, the system includes a resilient container with an opening and a closure attached to and disposed within the opening, said closure comprising a dosing chamber, a biasing member, and a movable piston having a plunger head sealing an outlet at one end and a dispensing head at an opposing end disposed within or proximate to a fluid chamber of the container. The piston moves axially into or toward the opening in response to fluid pressure created by applying a squeezing force on the container, while the dosing chamber communicates with the fluid chamber via a port, said port temporarily sealed by the dispensing head as the piston moves axially into or toward the opening. Fluid in the dosing chamber is expelled from the outlet as the piston moves sufficiently to displace the plunger head from the opening after the port is temporarily sealed. In turn, the biasing member urges the piston into a closed position by way of a biasing force except for when squeezing force sufficient to overcome the biasing force.

[0048] In other embodiments, a dosing dispenser closure includes any, or any compatible combination, of the following features:

• a resilient container (20) holding a fluid, said container (20) including an opening (24);

• a closure (30) sealing the opening (24), said closure having sidewalls (32) enclosing a dosing chamber (70) and a recessed outlet aperture (41) defined by barrier walls (35) and said dosing chamber (70) having a port (43) which admits fluid from the container (20) into the chamber (70) when the container is inverted;

• a piston (50) disposed within the chamber (70);

• a biasing member (60) positioned within the chamber (70) so as to urge the piston (50) into a closed position so as to seal the outlet aperture (41);

• wherein, upon actuation by squeezing the container (20), fluid pressure moves the piston (50) upward so that the piston seals the inlet port and disengages from the inner outlet opening to dispense fluid. Preferably it seals the inlet port before the outlet recess is opened for flow. • wherein dosing chamber (70) is sized so as to deliver a consistent and

predetermined volume of fluid upon actuation;

• wherein the piston includes a plunger (51) at an upper end, said plunger received within and sealing the outlet aperture (41);

• wherein the piston includes dispensing head (55) at a lower end, said dispensing head (55) shaped to temporarily seal the port (43) during actuation;

• wherein the dispensing head (55) includes a dispensing seat (58) and wherein said dispensing seat (58) slides upward in response to fluid pressure to seal the port;

• wherein the dispensing head includes a dispensing cup (57) integrally formed with or attached to the plunger;

• wherein a barrier wall defines an outlet recess defined between an inner outlet

aperture at a bottom end and an external outlet at a top end, the barrier wall may have smaller diameter and larger diameter portions;

• wherein an overcap (37) is provided to selectively seal the recess (40);

• wherein an anti-drip valve (38) is disposed proximate to the recess outlet (34);

• wherein the biasing member includes magnets;

• wherein the biasing member is not metal;

• wherein the biasing member includes an accordion-style bellows;

• wherein the biasing member (60) is received between the sidewalls (32) and the barrier wall (35); and

• wherein the biasing member (60) is a metallic coil spring.

[0049] The assembly and container in these embodiments should be sufficiently resilient to allow for squeeze dispensing. However, the piston, dosing chamber and outlet structure may be formed from rigid materials, thereby eliminating the possibility of mechanical failure in these critical components. Further, to avoid such issues in the container, it is possible to use sufficient thick and/or pliable materials.

[0050] All components should be made of materials having sufficient flexibility and structural integrity, as well as a chemically inert nature. The materials should also be selected for workability, cost, and weight. Common polymers amenable to injection molding, extrusion, or other common forming processes should have particular utility, although metals, alloys, and other composites may be used in place of or in addition to more conventional container and closure materials. [0051] References to coupling in this disclosure are to be understood as encompassing any of the conventional means used in this field. This may take the form of snap- or force fitting of components, although threaded connections, bead-and-groove, and slot-and-flange assemblies could be employed. Adhesive and fasteners could also be used, although such components must be judiciously selected so as to retain the underlying design goals inherent to the assembly.

[0052] In the same manner, engagement may involve coupling or an abutting relationship. These terms, as well as any implicit or explicit reference to coupling, will should be considered in the context in which it is used, and any perceived ambiguity can potentially be resolved by referring to the drawings.

[0053] Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplary embodiment has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.