Field of the invention

The present invention is directed to a dispenser for dispensing a flowable liquid material arranged in a bag.

Background of the invention

In the art there are numerous examples of liquids stored, transported and dispensed from flexible dispenser bags.

In EP0162417 is disclosed a disposable package made from a flexible material, where a valve device is arranged in what will be the bottom as the bag is positioned in the dispenser. The dispenser comprises means for activating the valve and dispenses a dose of the bags' contents. Similar arrangements are known from US5649643, US5806717, US6003733, US6082590, US6127009, US2005039819, WO20070346.

A dispenser/bag system is also disclosed in US6273297. In one embodiment no valve is arranged in the bag, such that the bag is only made from flexible material, which provides for a relatively cheap and reliable manufacturing process. The bag is provided with a snout which is where the material in the bag is to be dispensed. The dispenser is provided with means for opening or closing the snout. The means includes first and second members which are biased towards each other. The means may be provided with mutual

corresponding means which effectively closes the snout. Furthermore means are provided for forcing the material in the bag towards and out through the snout, in the shape of a weight or the like.

For example, soap dispensers are usually used by persons desiring to rinse for example hands, implying that they have unclean or polluted hands. By touching the dispenser, this part of the dispenser will be potentially unclean or polluted. The following user is likely to touch the dispenser in the same spot and will thereby be contaminated by the previous user and so on. Of cause after having operated for example a soap dispenser the object is to wash or rinse hands, in order to remove the unclean or pollution. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to assure that the following user carries out a thorough cleansing.

Also for some types of contamination, it is almost impossible to assure a thorough cleansing. Tests in kindergartens have indicated that a significant drop in spreading of common colds may be achieved by having the children wash their hands at regular intervals. However, the washing process of 4 or 5 year olds is not optimal, and as such it is very difficult to obtain perfect results.

In the healthcare sector the spreading of diseases, germs and the like is often connected to staff working with the patients. In order to minimise this risk it is therefore a requirement in many installations that staff before leaving a ward washes and disinfects hands, before moving to the next ward. The hygienic requirements of dispensers are therefore naturally very high for such applications.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser which alleviates the problems mentioned above with the prior art, and provides additional advantages.

The dispenser according to the present invention is especially useful but not limited to bags as disclosed in the same applicants co-pending application, having the same priority date. In this application is disclosed a bag with a basic configuration of a flexible bag of the pouch type, made from a single or multilayer flexible packaging material, where said bag comprises a first and a second side panel and a bottom panel, where said side panels has a top edge, two side edges and a bottom limitation, where the first side panels' bottom limitation converges into a spout said spout having an apex, where the distance between the top edge and the apex of the spout is substantially larger than the distance between the second side panels top edge and bottom limitation, and where said spout near the apex optionally is provided with means for detaching said apex from the bag, or the spout is provided with an opening. Basically any flexible bag having a spout may be used with the present invention.

The invention is directed at a dispenser for dispensing a flowable liquid from a flexible bag where said dispenser comprises means for suspending the bag from an upper part of said bag, where said means for suspending is/are attached to a column, where at the base of said column, a platform extends at an angle from said column.

The platform is provided at a distance such that the bottom of the bag will rest on the platform, when suspended from the column. As the bottom of the bag is a flat piece of flexible material, see description above, the liquid material inside the bag will be

completely free to flow downwards along the platform, towards the opening in the spout of the bag.

In a further embodiment of the invention means are provided for applying a pressure to the upper part of the flowable liquid in the flexible bag. The pressure is often necessary in order to assure that the liquid, which may have a high viscosity is forced towards the spout and thereby the dispensing opening. Especially for high viscosity liquids it is desirable to assure that the liquid is always filling the bag from the bottom up, such that when the bag is empty only an insignificant amount of liquid is present in the upper parts of the bag, i.e. adhered to the sides of the bag and the like.

An example of such means are provided in a further embodiment where the means for applying a pressure is a (dead)weight, where said weight optionally is provided with an opening, through which opening a part of the flexible bag may be positioned, or

alternatively guide means are provided for keeping the weight in contact with the flexible bag, such that the weight under the force of gravity will force the flowable liquid towards the bags outlet.

As the weight is influenced by gravity pulling it downwards on the closed volume of the contents in the bag, a dead weight will exert a substantially constant pressure. By furthermore designing the size of the weight appropriately, it is possible to design the correct weight relating to the type of material in the bag, its viscosity, the opening/closing means of the bag in order to assure a reliable functioning of the means for applying the pressure.

When inserting part of the bag in an (elongated) aperture in the weight, the bag will guide the weight downwards. Hereby an especially simple construction is required, inside the dispenser. When replacing the bag as it is empty, the weight is removed from the bag after the bag is removed from the dispenser, and the weight is arranged on a new bag, before this bag is mounted inside the dispenser.

The alternative embodiment provides guiding means for the weight, for example in the shape of rails. The advantage of this construction is that it is independent from the bag, i.e. the bag may be replaced without handling the weight. It is furthermore possible to arrange the weight and by shaping the rails appropriately it is possible to force/urge the bag towards a portion of the dispensers housing, when a housing is provided. By furthermore arranging a window in the housing it is possible visibly to register how much liquid is left in the bag, and thereby determine the appropriate time for renewing the bag.

In a further example of the embodiment of the invention where means are provided for applying a pressure to the upper part of the flowable material the means for applying pressure comprises a body arranged on an axle, where said body is in contact with the bag above or at the level of the flowable liquid in the bag, and the axle is activated when liquid is dispensed, such that the body travels downwards along said axle, thereby applying (a predetermined ) pressure on the liquid.

This embodiment will provide the same advantages as already discussed above.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the platform is provided with a flexible beak, having a first and a second part, where said dispensing snout of said flexible bag in use is arranged between said first and second parts of said beak, and by deforming the beak, flowable liquid is allowed to be dispensed from the bag.

This embodiment of the dispenser is especially useful with flexible pouch bags where there are no provisions for opening or closing means in the bag. The snout is inserted such that it extends a certain distance through the snout. After the bag has been installed the apex is removed, and the dispenser is now ready to dispense material.

The beak may be deformed by the user desiring to receive the material, either by manipulating the beak, i.e. squeezing the first and/or second parts of the beak whereby they become separated, or by exerting pressure on the bag, whereby the material in the bag, due to the increased pressure issues through the beak and thereby from the snout. Alternatively a manipulating arm engaged with one of the parts of the beak may be operated by a user. The manipulating arm is biased in a closed position, and when manipulated against the biasing force, the beaks parts will separate and allow the material to be dispensed through the outlet.

In a further embodiment of the invention the first and second parts of the beak engages flexible strips in the material of the bag, urging these apart, and thereby allowing dispensing of the flowable liquid. These strips may be designed such that in their not activated state they are biased towards each other. This may, for example be achieved by laminating two or more layers of polymer materials together along a curve.

In a further embodiment of the invention the first and second parts of the beak are provided with mutual inter-fitting profiles, such that as the flexible bags' snout is situated between the first and second parts, the profiles hinders flowable liquid to escape the bag. The inter-fitting profiles may have any suitable shape, such as for example tubular, where two or more tubular members are arranged parallel to each other across the flow direction of the material on one beak member, and on the opposite beak one or more tubular members are arranged parallel and offset in relation to the first beak part, whereby when the beak is closed the tubular members on one beak member will fit inside the space between the two or more tubular members on the opposite beak member. Instead of tubular the members may have any suitable cross section.

In a still further advantageous embodiment of the dispenser according to the invention means are provided for opening and closing the snout of a bag arranged in the dispenser, where said means comprises two or more rollers arranged on axles fastened for rotation on at least one endplate, which endplate is arranged for rotation on an axle, where the axle Is arranged at a distance from said platform, whereby the rollers are rotatable into a position where the rollers are urged against the platform and another position where the rollers are at a distance from said platform.

In a further embodiment the rollers are made from a resilient material or at least where the rollers have a resilient surface, and/or where the rollers are biased by resilient means away from the axle of the endplate.

An alternative preferred embodiment disclose a dispenser wherein means are provided for opening and closing the snout of a bag arranged in the dispenser, where said means comprises a roller arranged for reciprocating movement along a defined path, where said roller in a first end of said path is lifted a distance above said platform, and where in an opposite second end of said path, the roller is biased in contact with said platform, where said roller furthermore is urged towards the second end, where said second end is proximate the dispensing opening of a bag arranged in the dispenser.

This embodiment may be further developed such that the path may have a defined curvature or linear path from said second end to said first end, and a second defined curvature or linear path from said first end to said second end, where said first and second curvatures or linear paths are different.

Common for the embodiments described above, having moving rollers, is the fact that in their rest position, the rollers are biased against the platform, thereby squeezing the spout of a bag placed between the rollers and the platform tight, whereby no material can escape the bag. By moving the roller, either by rotation or along a path, the snout of the bag is opened, allowing material to be dispensed from the bag.

When allowing the rotation of the endplates to continue, and adjusting the displacement of the rotation axis from the surface of the platform, it becomes possible for the roller to engage the bag at a place distant from the dispensing opening, thereby pushing/urging a determined volume of material towards the snout and thereby the dispensation opening. The same is true for the roller having a reciprocating movement along a path or different paths. The roller will also in this embodiment engage and urge a predetermined material volume towards and out through the snout of the bag.

By urging the rollers to be in the position where the rollers are engaging the platform in the dispensers passive position, a user activating the dispenser will displace the rollers as described above and thereby activate the dispensation of volume of material. After the dispensation, the rollers will again be in the closing and passive position. The urging or biasing of the rollers may be accomplished by for example spring or other suitable means.

In a further alternative embodiment dispensation is achieved by means of a dispensing screw. The screw is provided with a substantially large thread, and arranged for rotation on an axle parallel to the snouts opening, and in contact with the bag. The material in the bag is as discussed above urged towards the apex/outlet. The distance between the threads on the screw, will delimit portions/doses of material. As the screw is rotated the doses will be forced towards the outlet, and eventually be dispensed.

Description of figures

The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein

Fig 1 illustrates a preferred bag to be used with the present invention;

Fig. 2 to 4 illustrates various details of the snout of the bag, and dispensation control means;

Fig. 5 to 11 illustrates various means for applying pressure to the bag in the dispenser.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

Throughout the description below the same features will be referred to by the same reference numbers. In fig. 1 is illustrated a pouch bag especially useful with the present invention. In this connection it should be noted that other flexible bag configurations are also usable with the present invention. For example bags having other types of spouts and the like.

The bag 10 is made from a first side panel 1 which by means of welds 11 ,13 along the side edges 2,14 is connected to a second side panel 2. The side panels, in this embodiment both the first and second side panels further has top edge 15. The first side panel 1 has a bottom limitation 16 in the shape of a triangle which has an apex 17. Later the apex will also be referred to as the snout or spout, as this is the feature which makes the asymmetric bag suitable for dispensing material.

The line 18 illustrates the bottom limitation of the second side panel 2, whereas the second line 19, indicate the fold in the bottom in the bags collapsed configuration.

The design of the snout 17 is possible within wide design options, due to the fact that by changing the welding cams on the machine use to manufacture the bag, almost any snout design is achievable. For most applications a linear triangle shaping the apex 17, possibly with an extension of two parallel side edges will be desired.

For the dispensation of some materials, it is desirable to provide special properties in the snout. For example for the dispensation of some materials it is desirable to be able to create a jet of mist particles, which may be the case for disinfectants, lotions and the like. For this purpose the weld defining the outlet of the snout 17 will create small nozzle-like apertures. In other instances it is desirable to dispense a small portion of the material, for example with soap, moisturizers, lotions and the like. Here the snout 17 will define an outlet channel, through which the material may pass more or less unhindered.

It is also possible to arrange a tube or other member between the two material sheets, i.e. the first and second side panels, in the apex region, whereby special outlet means may be provided. This is usually achieved by arranging the outlet means on a thin film. For example, if it is desirable to have a short length of plastic tube arranged in the outlet, short lengths of tube are arranged on a separate film, with a mutual distance between the short length of tube corresponding to the mutual distances between the apex' on the bag production line. During manufacture the thin film with the tube sections is fed in between the first and second side panels. During the welding process the thin film with the tube section will be fixed in the correct position relative to the outlet. In this manner the bag is provided with a tube in the outlet. Naturally other parts having various properties suitable for use with the bag, and suitable to be applied in a similar manner are usuable within this concept.

All dispenser embodiments are provided with a platform 50, see for example fig. 2, 3, to support the bottom of the bag 10. The platform is inclined such that the asymmetric bottom of the bag will be supported and the material in the bag urged to flow towards the spout. As the bag is made from a flexible material, the material and the bag may be deformed, thereby hinder the material in leaving the bag, but by providing the inclined platform in combination with the bags' asymmetric bottom, this problem is alleviated.

In fig. 2, 3 and 4 are illustrated an embodiment of the dispenser where means for controlling the dispensation of material from the bag is schematically illustrated. Near the tip 51 of the platform 50 is arranged a beak 52. The beak 52 comprises two flexible members 53,54, which are held between activating members 55,56 arranged in either end of the flexible members 53,54. The activating members 55,56 may be operated manually or by means of a further mechanism, manual or motor assisted. By forcing the activating members towards each other, as illustrated in fig 4 by the arrows 60 the flexible members 53, 54 will bend and allow material from the bag pass the beak 52.

In fig 2 is illustrated a dispenser where a bag 10 (in dashed lines) is arranged with the bags snout 17 between the flexible members 53, 54 in the beaks closed position, i.e. where the activating members 55, 56 are not forced towards each other, whereby the flexible members 55, 56 squeeze the bags snout 17 shut.

In fig 3 the activating members 55, 56 has been activated, such that the flexible members 53, 54 are spaced apart whereby it is possible for material from the bag to pass through the snout 17. As illustrated in fig 4 the arrows 60 indicating the application of a force to the activating members 55, 56, whereby flexible members 53, 54 are opened allowing material to be dispensed from the bag.

The bag 10 is indicated in dashed lines in all the figures 2 to 4. It is furthermore illustrated, see fig 4 that a snip 61 is removed at the apex 17 of the bag 10, thereby creating an opening/snout. A perforation or scoring line 62 is provided in the apex 17 in order to facilitate the removal of the snip 61.

Turning to figure 5 to 7, various illustrative embodiments of the principle of the dispenser are illustrated.

The dispenser comprises a platform 50 inclined from a back column member 70 towards the free end of the platform. The purpose of the inclination is discussed above. The back column member 70 serves as a mounting structure, for example for mounting the dispenser to a wall or the like. Furthermore the bag is suspended from means (not illustrated) attached to said column member 70 or a not illustrated housing.

In order to create a predetermined pressure inside the bag 10 various means 71 , 72, and 73 are provided.

In fig 5 to 7 the means 71 ,72 is in the shape of rollers arranged in various ways. In fig. 5 and 20 guide rails 74 are provided for guiding a roller 71 vertically downwards, whereby the bag will be emptied as illustrated by the bag 10 (in dashed lines). The roller is influenced by gravity only, and therefore the weight of the roller will determine the resulting pressure.

In fig 6, the roller 72 is arranged on an axle 75 provided with a toothed wheel 77, which toothed wheel is in engagement with a spindle 76. By rotating the spindle 76 the axle 75 will travel downwards in guide rails (not illustrated). The activation of the spindle 76 may be effected by manipulating the lever 78 back and forth (indicated by arrow). A gear mechanism, per se well known, will translate the back and forth movement into a well defined rotation of the spindle, whereby a pre-determined movement and thereby also a predetermined pressure will be exerted by the roller 72 on the bag 10. In an alternative embodiment the upper edge 15 of the bag 10 may be fastened to the roller, such that as material is dispensed the bag is wound onto the roller.

In fig. 7 is illustrated a dead weight member 73, provided with an elongated aperture 79. The uppermost part of the bag will be inserted through the aperture 79 before the bag is mounted in the dispenser. The dead weight member 73, will due to the pull of gravity, exert a determined pressure on the bag, thus helping to empty the bag.

The means 71 , 72 and 73 for exerting pressure are illustrated as substantially cylindrical members. It is however desirable to shape the means such that they will conform to a housing 80 (not illustrated). When the housing is curved or circular, the means may be given a substantially corresponding shape. The advantage of providing means

substantially conforming to the shape of the housing is the fact that as the bag is flexible, it will tend to "avoid" being squeezed by deforming itself. As the means are shaped to correspond to the shape of the housing, the means will achieve that the bag is exposed to pressure, and thereby emptied, completely.

In fig 8 to 1 1 is illustrated a dispensation mechanism, which is designed to provide a certain quantity for each activation of the dispenser by a user.

The dispenser mechanism 80, in the embodiment illustrated in fig 8 to 10 comprises three rollers 81 , 82, 83 arranged for rotation around an axle 84. The rollers are by means of springs 85 biased away from the axle 84. The axle 84 is arranged at a distance from the tip of the platform 50, such that the roller 81 in the position depicted in fig 8 is firmly in contact with the platform 50. The snout 17 of a bag 10 is hereby squeezed tight.

As the dispenser is activated by a user, the roller 81 will rotate away from the platform 50, and thereby not squeeze the snout 17. Material from the bag will be free to be dispensed through the snout 17. As the mechanism rotates further, indicated by arrow 86, see fig 9, the roller 83 will squeeze a portion 87 of material towards the snout 17. The rotation of the mechanism 80 continues until the roller 83 is in the position of the roller 81 as depicted in fig 8. In this manner a predetermined portion of material is dispensed by rotation of the mechanism 80.

The amount of material is determined by the pressure exerted on the bag 10 (see above) and the distance between the rollers 81 , 82, 83, relative to the size of the snout 17.

In fig. 10 the mechanism is illustrated as seen from the front.

The rollers 81 , 82, 83 are advantageously provided with a resilient surface or made from a resilient material, which facilitates the rolling action, and the squeezing out of material from the bag.

Obviously the number of rollers may be different from three, as disclosed above. In other not illustrated embodiments, the platform 50 is curved such that the curve substantially conforms to part of the circle described by the outermost part of the rollers. By furthermore designing the length of the curve, such that two rollers always will by urged against the platform it is assured that there is no free or open connection through the spout to the material inside the bag. This is particularly important with materials which flow easy. By always having a roller in contact with the platform, it is solely the rotation of the rollers which dispenses material.

In other embodiments it is foreseen that the platform may be double curved, i.e. have a curvature as described above, and additionally have a further curve , such that a curved groove is formed. In this embodiment the rollers are replaced by blades, where the distakl ends of the blades conforms to the second curve. By rotating the blades, material inside the spout will be forced out through the spout.

In fig 11 is illustrated an alternative mechanism 90 for dispensing predetermined doses of material from the bag. The mechanism 90 comprises a helical screw member 91 , arranged for rotation about an axis 92 parallel to the outlet opening 17 of the bag 10. The screw 91 is provided with a relatively large thread 93. Furthermore the screw 90, and thereby the thread 93 is urged against the platform 50. The snout 17 of the bag 10 containing the material to be dispensed is placed between the screw and the platform. Due to the pressure in the material in the bag, doses/portions 94 will be created in the bag between adjacent threads in contact with the platform. As the screw 90 is rotated, the thread 93, will force the doses/portions towards the outlet 17, and therefore make the material available to a user. The mechanism for activating the screw may be any relevant activating mechanism.

Above the shape of the bag as well as the design of the dispenser has been described with reference to schematic embodiments. It is naturally possible to achieve the

advantages of the invention with other bag shapes, sizes, manufacturing methods etc, as it is possible to provide various modifications to the dispenser, for example automize dispensation, activate by optical means etc without departing from the inventive principles of the invention.