MULTIPLE FORM DISPENSING CONTAINER AND PACKAGE

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States provisional patent application serial no. 62/588,479 filed on November 20, 2017, which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a container for dispensing liquids and/or foams and, more particularly, to a container having foam-forming dispenser coupled to a container at an opposing end to a free-pouring, high flow rate dispenser to allow for storage and selective use of either dispenser.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Recently, soap and liquid containers have been developed to serve as spot treatments provided within their own individual package. These packages produce a foamed product continue to dissolve back into liquid form, with the surface treatments delivered in this matter generally being known to be more effective. That is, the treatment time and clinging of foam on the specific spots enable more effective cleansing rather than if the product flows away as liquid products are prone to do. Both pumps and flip top caps are known to deliver such foaming streams.

[0004] For example, dispensing systems provide for foam-forming functionality can be found in United States Patents 3,973,701; 6,612,468; 7,802,701; and 9,265,385 and United States Patent Publication 2011/0272432. All of these patents are incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein.

[0005] Foaming delivery systems were developed to replace more traditional liquid flow systems. Liquid flow systems may be as simple as a screw-top cap or flip cap. Generally speaking, these systems may be designed as a measured dispensing flow or, to the extent high flow rate is desired, a simple screw cap with pouring functionality can be provided.

[0006] United States Patent 8,740,017 describes a container having a dual channel dispenser. When the container is inverted, its contents may be dispended through a foaming outlet located adjacent to a liquid outlet. The contents are urged through one of these outlets by inverting and squeezing the container. Caps are provided for both outlets to ensure that dispensing only occurs through the intended outlet, and/or the channels associated with individual outlets to be fluidically aligned by rotating the dispenser head. The Background Art section of this document is incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein.

[0007] A container allowing for simplified free-pouring and foam-forming dispensing would provide dual functionality that was heretofore unavailable in containers and similar devices.

SUMMARY

[0008] An elongated cylindrical container is formed to contain liquids, such as soaps, cleaning solutions, and the like. At opposing ends of the container, separate neck sections are formed to accommodate two separate end caps. A first end cap includes a foam-forming dispenser, such as pump or forced-flow aperture, while the second end cap has a higher flow (relative to the volumetric passage of liquid through or liquid flow rate out of foam-forming dispenser), non-foaming aperture. The higher flow, non-foaming aperture includes a flattened portion, optionally having a flip cap or other removable closure, to serve as a resting base.

[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:

[0012] Figure 1A is a perspective view, Figure 1B is a partially exploded perspective view, and Figure 1C is a cross sectional perspective view, all showing a first embodiment including a foaming cap as the foaming mechanism. [0013] Figure 2A is a perspective cross sectional view of the foaming mechanism of Figures 1A-1C, while Figure 2B is a perspective cross sectional view of the pouring mechanism located at an opposing end of the container in comparison to Figure 2 A.

[0014] Figure 3A is a perspective view, Figure 3B is a partially exploded perspective view, Figure 3C is a cross sectional perspective view, and Figure 3D a cross sectional side view, all showing a second embodiment including a foaming pump as the foaming mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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. [0017] The container is designed to have two neck openings at opposing ends. Preferably, the container has a cylindrical shape, with the neck openings adapted to accommodate the necessarily closures (e.g., by way of a screw-top connection, etc.). At one end, the closure comprises a foaming cap or a foamer pump. At the opposing end, a snap on flip top cap, with large orifice to allow easy pour to dispense product in a higher flow rate, is provided. Further, the flip top cap can be formed with an enlarged flattened surface to support the container in an upright position, thereby making the pump accessible for operation by a user.

[0018] Generally speaking, the foaming mechanism combines flows of liquid (i.e., the fluid product introduced to the container) and gas (e.g., air drawn from the ambient environment and/or from within the head space of the container) and passing these streams through a permeable and/or foaming element. This element may be one or more layers of a mesh or other porous material that is positioned downstream from a mixing chamber. A regulating element may assist in controlling the introduction of liquid and/or gas. A single or double piston, optionally driven by or including one or more biasing components (e.g., one or more springs, etc.), may be provided in to draw the appropriate flow(s) into the mixing chamber and/or to urge the same through the permeable/foaming element and out of the foaming outlet positioned downstream therefrom. In place of a piston, the flows may be urged into the foaming element by squeezing the deformable container to move the fluids (i.e., a foaming cap). In either instance, the foaming mechanism may include a removable cap that snaps or screws onto/over the foaming outlet. In the same manner, the foaming mechanism attaches to the neck of the container via a threaded, crimped, or snap-fitted connection.

[0019] On the opposing end, a liquid or pouring mechanism is attached to a second neck on the container, again via a threaded, crimped, or snap-fitted connection. The pouring mechanism may have a spout formed to direct and guide liquid flowing out of an outlet positioned proximate to a flow channel that is, itself, fluidically connected to the interior of the container. One or more vents may be formed in the pouring mechanism to ensure steady, uninterrupted flow. A detachable cap snaps or screws onto the outlet to block liquid flow as desired by the user. In some embodiments, the cap may be hinged. Preferably, the exterior of the cap presents a flat, enlarged surface that allows the entire dual dispensing container to stand in an upright position, with the liquid outlet on the bottom and the foam outlet on the top. This orientation allows gravity to position the fluid in the container in an optimal position to assist with pouring or foaming, especially when a foaming pump is provided as the foaming mechanism.

[0020] The container itself may be a hollow tube first and second necks formed at opposing ends. The necks may taper down to an aperture that fluidically connects and cooperates with the foaming and pouring mechanisms. The tube may be cylindrical, conical, or other similar shapes. A continuously curving sidewall or series of distinct, adjacent sidewalls connect the neck ends and define an interior space which contains the fluid. Common, flexible polymeric materials can be used to form the container (as well as the foaming and pouring mechanisms).

[0021] The invention is particularly amenable for use with containers for multipurpose surface cleaners, bleach-based cleaning agents, toilet bowl cleaners, liquid/foaming soaps, hand sanitizers, car and/or leather care products, window cleaners and general cleaning liquids. Generally speaking, any fluid which finds utility both in a liquid and foamed form should be appropriate.

[0022] In the Figures 1A through 2B, a dual dispensing container 100 includes a container body 120, a pouring mechanism 140, and a foaming cap mechanism 160. It will, of course, be understood to mean any mechanism capable of delivering a continuous flow of liquid, preferably at a higher flow rate than if a simple aperture is provided.

[0023] Container body 120 is a hollow tube, illustrated here as a cylinder having an oval cross sectional shape and tapering necks 122, 124 at opposing ends. The oval cross sectional shape results in a single continuously curving sidewall 126, although it is possible to form the tube to have distinct, flat side walls and/or a combination of curving and flattened portions. A cone, variable diameter cylinder, or partially conical hybrid shape could be used in place of the oval cylinder shown here. In all cases, the sidewall(s) may be formed with sufficient resilience and deformability to allow for the container 100 to serve as a squeeze-activated dispenser.

[0024] The tapering necks 122, 124 include and terminate at threaded apertures 123, 125. Cooperating threads or similar features are formed on mechanisms 140, 160 to allow for selective attachment to the container. When attached and enclosed, the body 120 and mechanisms 140, 160 define a fluidically sealed interior volume 128 which may house a fluid product that can be dispensed through either of mechanisms 140, 160.

[0025] The pouring mechanism 140, as shown, includes a hinged flip cap 142 that may be selectively opened and closed to fluidically seal liquid outlet 144. One or more vents 146 may be provided, and covered when cap 142 is in its closed position, to improve flow rate. A spout or lip may be formed around the exterior facing (i.e., relative to the interior volume defined by the container) to facilitate pouring the liquid.

[0026] The foaming outlet/cap mechanism 160 includes any combination of the features for creating dispensing foam as described herein. These may include a foaming outlet 164, foaming element 166, liquid flow channel 168, gas flow channel 170, mixing chamber 172, and uptake member 174. Vents may be incorporated as needed to facilitate operation. Fluid is urged into the mechanism 160 (and more specifically, its mixing chamber 172 and through its outlet 164) by displacing the liquid carried within the interior of the container body 120. This displacement can occur by depressing the sidewalls (i.e., squeezing the container body).

[0027] Notably, both liquid outlet 144 and foaming outlet 164 are fluidically connected to the same reservoir, i.e., the storage space defined by the interior of the container body 120. Preferably, this interior is free from any structures that are unassociated with the outlets 144, 164 so as to maximize the available volume for storing fluid. As such, the container body 120 includes a single fluid reservoir.

Make up air will be admitted into the container body via one or both of mechanisms 140, 160, depending upon which is then in use. Generally speaking, each outlet will include a passageway for such are to re-enter the container, although this is a greater concern for the foaming mechanism 160. Liquid outlet 144 may simply allow for make up air to flow through the outlet itself, rather than by way of other valves or passageways as are common in foaming mechanisms. As such, a make-up air valve may be included in the foaming mechanism to permit air to enter the hollow tube after liquid or foam is dispensed from the container, while make-up air may enter the hollow tube during or after liquid is dispensed from the container.

[0028] Figures 3A through 3D illustrate an alternative arrangement in which foaming pump mechanism 260 is substituted in place of foaming cap mechanism 160. All other components may be similar to those shown for Figures 1A through Figure 2B or otherwise described or contemplated herein. [0029] Mechanism 260 is responsive to fluid being urged through a foaming element 266 by gravity and/or displacement by squeezing. A foaming outlet 264 is disposed downstream from a mixing chamber 272, with liquid and gas flow channels 268, 270 connected thereto. As above, uptake member 274 and/or vents may be provided, and piston 262 relies upon suction to draw the necessary fluids into the chamber 272, while a cap 276 may be fitted over the pump head 275 to prevent unwanted actuation of the mechanism 260.

[0030] Any number of other foaming pump or foaming cap dispensers can be used in either of the depicted arrangements. One example, which is incorporated by reference, is described in United States Patent 7,461,762. Devices allowing for proper ventilation and/or creation of foam are disclosed, and incorporated by reference, in United States Patents 7,802,701 and 9,265,385. In the same manner, the liquid pouring action may be achieved by high flow rate arrangements that accommodate and respond to squeezing of the container body 120. Alternatively, a simple screw cap or flip cap could also be secured over a liquid outlet having sufficiently large diameter to allow for easy and/or uninterrupted flow out of the container facilitated by gravity alone.

[0031] One or both of the ends of the dispenser in either arrangement may be formed with a substantially flat, planar surface. This surface will allow the dispenser to be stored in an upright (i.e., verticial) position so that fluid may collect (by way of gravity) at one end of the tube. Preferably, the liquid mechanism 140 or outlet 144 possesses this flattened surface.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The inventive assemblies described herein address the foregoing shortcomings of previously known devices. In particular, by using a flattened cap disposed at the opposite end of a cylindrical container from the foaming mechanism (and particularly a foaming pump), the fluid within the container is readily and easily dispensed with minimal effort by the user. That is, gravity naturally positions the liquid close to the liquid flow outlet at one end, while the pump is specifically designed to draw fluid from a point distant from the foaming outlet. Further, there is no need for rotating elements which may susceptible to breakage. Finally, by disposing the foaming and pouring outlets at opposing ends, there cannot be any accidental engagement (e.g., by leaving the outlet uncapped) of the incorrect/non- selected outlet.

[0034] 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.