Patent Grant
10494164
The present invention relates generally to systems for selectively dispensing the flow of a contained substance between an interior environment and an exterior environment, such as, for example, for dispensing a product from one container into another container without contact to the user.
Many dispensing systems deliver contained substances to target containers. In some cases, the delivery to an empty target container is desired; in other cases, it is desirable to add a contained substance to another substance in a target container. Some compositions are made from substances that degrade or generate undesirable by-products after they are combined. There is a need for a dispensing system that allows the mixture of substances at a desired time and place.
There also exists a need for a dispensing system that delivers a compound from one container to another while preventing contact between the contained substance and the user. There may be a need for a dispensing system that protects its user from toxic, caustic, volatile, or abrasive substances, or protects the substances from contamination by the user or the external environment.
Dispensing closures may be used for dispensing a wide variety of substances such as liquids, suspensions and other substances into containers as known by those skilled in the art. For example, pressure-actuated, flexible valves have been used to dispense contained substances. However, these dispensing closures are poorly suited for many applications, as they may deliver only limited quantities of a contained substance or require repeated manipulation for complete delivery. Some dispensing closures includes slits that allow the movement of substances, such as liquids, only while pressure is applied by the user to keep the slits open. Once the pressure is removed, the slits reseal and the flow of the contained substance is interrupted. There is a need for quick, consistent, and efficient dispensers of a contained substance that do not require repeated manipulations of the dispensers.
Some dispensing closures require users to use squeezing or pushing motions to release contained substances from the enclosed container, through the closure, which may require a degree of manual strength or dexterity some users lack. Some users may find these dispensing closures and containers difficult to grip or manipulate or control. It is also known to be desirable for a dispensing system to be capable of single use and deliver a predefined measure or dose of a contained substance. Single use capability guards against counterfeiting and provides tamper evidence. Other dispensing systems may require users to engage unpredictable amounts of force for successful use. It may be preferable for some users to have a dispensing system that operates by a rotational movement. It may be even more preferable for a dispenser system that provides delivery of the contained substance after minimal manipulation of the dispensing system. Use of a Dispensable Containment Vessel (DCV) is most preferred.
The contents of such a Dispensable Containment Vessel (DCV) may be released, in a controlled fashion, by engagement of a rotational movement, rather than by squeezing or pushing motions, but some users may lack the manual strength to dispense stored composition. A rotational movement may require less manual strength and less guessing of how much force to apply. It may be desirable for a dispensing system that operates with a rotational movement. It would also be advantageous to provide delivery of the contained substance after limited manipulation of the DCV.
There is also a need for a dispenser that allows a reversible flow of substances between the DCV and the target container, thus allowing the DCV to be flushed after the initial delivery of a contained material and ensuring the delivery of residual materials not initially delivered. There is a need for a DCV that ensures a more complete and thorough delivery of a contained substance and enables the specific mixture of two or more substances as they are ultimately delivered to the target container.
There also exists a need for a dispensing system that delivers compounds from one container to another and allow a reversible flow of substances while preventing contact between the user and the substances involved in the dispensing process, either to protect the user from toxic, caustic, volatile, or abrasive substances, or to protect the substances from contamination by the user or the external environment. Protection may be required relating either to the contained substance or to the final mixture of substances, if any, or both.
It is also known that some compositions must be made by the sequential addition of multiple components, sometimes in a particular order or at particular times or in particular ratios. There is a need for employing multiple DCVs to deliver multiple different substances in succession in separate steps, at particular times, or in certain sequences, to enable the making of such compositions.
This invention provides an improved dispensing system for dispensing contained substances, including flow able materials such as liquids or fine particles. The invention is embodied as a Dispensable Containment Vessel (DCV) and Dispensing Systems for use with a variety of containers in which a contained substance may be contained.
The dispensing system generally includes a DCV and a dispensing adaptor (dispensing means), and is mountable to a target container, which may be empty or may contain some substance prior to engagement of the dispensing system.
The DCV may include a frangible barrier that secures the contained substance to be dispensed, as well as a connecting portion for sealably communicating with the dispensing adaptor.
The dispensing adaptor may include a connecting portion that sealably connects it to the DCV, providing a sealable connection between the DCV and the target container and facilitating the transfer of the contained substance. The dispensing adaptor can also sealably mount the dispensing system to the target container so that the contents of the DCV can be transferred from the DCV through an aperture of the dispensing adaptor into the target container.
When initially engaged with the target container, the dispensing system adopts a secure conformation in which the contained substance remains stored in the DCV. In the secure conformation, the contents of the target container, if any, can also be protected against leakage and spillage, as well as premature mixture with the contained substance.
When the dispensing system is activated into a dispensing configuration, a central portion and spaced-apart wings of the dispensing adaptor apply force against the frangible barrier of the DCV, and the barrier tears along tearing paths of relatively lesser thickness or greatness weakness. When force is applied, the tearing paths may generate flaps in the frangible barrier that separate to form spaces between them, or may generate vents in the frangible barrier, through which the contents of the DCV may flow. The spaces between the flaps, or the vents, may increase in size when the frangible barrier is forced against the spaced-apart wing of the dispensing adaptor, allowing greater flow of the contained substances.
After the dispensing system is activated into a dispensing conformation, the dispensing system remains sealably connected to the target container, but the contained substance is released from the DCV to reversibly flow into the target container. The reversible flow feature allows a user to flush residual amounts for thorough delivery of the contained substance from the DCV after the initial delivery. After use, the dispensing system can be removed from the target container.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention. It is not intended to limit the invention to the specific illustrated embodiments.
The features of the invention disclosed herein in the description, drawings, and claims can be significant, both individually and in any desired combinations, for the operation of the invention in its various embodiments. Features from one embodiment can be used in other embodiments of the invention.
It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention,” relates to a requirement of the United States Patent & Trademark Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.
In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.
A dispensing system 10 is generally used to dispense a contained substance 62 into a target container 301. The target container 301 may be empty before the dispensing system 10 is engaged, or may hold more of the contained substance 62 or a different substance.
In illustrated embodiments (
The dispensing system 10 is to be sealably mounted on the target container 301 (a portion of which is illustrated in
As shown in
The frangible barrier 68 prevents the contents of the DCV 60 from leaving the DCV 60 until desired. The frangible barrier 68 may include an outer edge 70 and have a plurality of tearing paths 72 in the barrier 68, lines or areas of substantially lesser thickness or greater weakness than the rest of the barrier 68. The tearing paths may be, for example, molded or scored into the barrier 68, the plurality of tearing paths 72 defining a plurality of flaps 74 in the barrier 68. The tearing paths 72 may introduce areas of lesser resistance to mechanical force that frangibly tear when stress or force is applied against a portion of the frangible barrier 68. The plurality of tearing paths 72 may provide weakened lines in the frangible barrier 68 that break or tear when sufficient force is applied against them.
In some embodiments, the tearing paths 72 may comprise straight lines. In some embodiments, the tearing paths 72 may comprise curvilinear lines. In some embodiments, the tearing paths 72 may span from one edge of the frangible barrier 68 to another edge of the frangible barrier 68. In some embodiments, the tearing paths 72 may touch one edge of the barrier 68; in others, the tearing paths 72 may not touch the edge of the barrier 68. There is preferably at least one tearing path; more preferably, there are 1-10 tearing paths in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, the plurality of tearing paths 72 may further comprise at least one protrusion 77 that faces the plurality of spaced-apart wings 44 of the dispensing adaptor 20 (
The DCV 60 can also include a base 82, a peripheral wall 84 with an interior surface 86 and an exterior surface 88, and a resilient peripheral edge 90 for sealing the DCV 60 to the dispensing adaptor 20 or the target container 301. The peripheral wall 84 of the DCV 60 may include a connecting portion 92, which sealably attaches the DCV 60 to the dispensing adaptor 20, allowing the DCV 60 to be sealably connected to the dispensing adaptor 20. The DCV 60 can also have a collar 94 on its exterior surface 88, which can be located between the base 82 and the opening 66.
The DCV 60 may be made of an elastomeric polymer, such as, for example, polyethylene or polypropylene.
The DCV 60 or dispensing adaptor 20 may further include at least one vent to allow air to exit the target container 301 when the dispensing system 10 is engaged with the target container 301, particularly when stress or force is applied to cause the release of the contained substance 62 from the DCV 60 of the dispensing system 10. Such a vent, which may have a plug, would also allow air intake to relieve an internal vacuum that may be present in the target container 301 during typical use.
It will be understood that the DCV 60 of this invention may be manufactured, stored, transported, processed, used, and sold in an orientation other than the positions described herein.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the mounting portion 24 may include an outer wall 26 with a skirt 28, and a suitable means for connection, such as an interior thread 30, for engaging suitable corresponding connecting means on the target container 301, such as an external thread 307, to sealably and releasably secure the dispensing adaptor 20 to the target container 301. Other suitable connecting means include, but are not limited to, other thread configurations, snap-fit beads, or other snap-on or bayonet-type mounting means.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 84 of the DCV 60 may have exterior threads 96 on its exterior surface 88 for engaging suitable cooperating connecting threads on a corresponding connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 in order to secure the DCV 60 to the dispensing adaptor 20. In some embodiments, the peripheral wall 84 of the DCV 60 may have interior threads 30 on its interior surface 86 as its connecting portion 92 for engaging suitable cooperating threads on the exterior of the corresponding connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 in order to secure the DCV 60 to the dispensing adaptor 20 (not shown). In preferred embodiments, the DCV 60 may be releasably connected to the dispensing adaptor 20 by a rotational movement.
In some embodiments, the connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 includes at least one thread, the connecting portion 92 of the DCV 60 includes at least one thread, and the at least one thread of the dispensing adaptor 20 may engage the at least one thread of the DCV 60. When engaged, the dispensing system 10 may reduce the potential of migration of materials into the threads of the DCV 60 and dispensing adaptor 20.
The dispensing adaptor 20 can also include a plurality of spaced-apart wings 44 projecting inwardly from the outer periphery 42 of the aperture 40 to a central portion 46 (
In some embodiments, the central portion 46 may have a frustoconical surface 48 that slopes toward the 60 and away from the target container 301. In some preferred embodiments, the central portion 46 may have a frustoconical surface 48 which may further include at least one point 50. In some preferred embodiments, the at least one point 50 may be located in the center of the central portion 46; in some embodiments, the at least one point 50 may be located off-center of the central portion 46.
In some embodiments, the central portion 46 may include multiple points or protrusions.
The dispensing system 10 may be mounted to the target container 301 in a secure conformation before the contained substance 62 is dispensed (
The resilient peripheral edge 90 of the DCV 60 engages the shoulder 34 and the corresponding wall 35 of the dispensing adaptor 20 in the secure conformation. In the secure conformation, the frangible barrier 68 remains intact and the contained substance 62 remains in the reservoir 64. To dispense the contained substance 62 into the target container 301, the user activates the dispensing system 10 into changing from the secure conformation to the dispensing conformation. The transition between the secure conformation and the dispensing conformation may be accomplished by any conventional means. In preferred embodiments, the transition between the secure conformation and the dispensing conformation is accomplished with a rotational movement applied to the DCV 60 or the dispensing adaptor 20 or both, where the connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 engages the connecting portion 92 of the DCV 60 by a rotational movement. In more preferred embodiments, a single rotational movement is sufficient to activate the dispensing system 10.
The connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 engages the connecting portion 92 of the DCV 60 so that the resilient peripheral edge 90 engages the shoulder 34 in the secure conformation. The transition from the secure conformation to the dispensing conformation places the central portion 46 and the plurality of spaced-apart wings 44 against the frangible barrier 68 to frangibly tear the barrier 68 along the tearing paths, generating the plurality of flaps 74 and forcing the flaps 74 apart, and the resilient peripheral edge 90 may disengage from the shoulder 34 and may sealably engage the channel 36 (
When the dispensing system 10 is activated into a dispensing conformation (
When the user manipulates the DCV 60 into the dispensing conformation, the central portion 46 and spaced-apart wings of the dispensing adaptor 20 are forced against the frangible barrier 68 of the DCV 60. The frangible barrier 68 is designed to frangibly break along predefined tearing paths, lines or areas of substantially less thickness or greater weakness than the remainder of the frangible barrier 68, when sufficient force is applied, creating a plurality of flaps 74. The relative thinness or weakness of the tearing paths, compared to the rest of the frangible barrier 68, may create areas in the frangible barrier 68 that are susceptible of breaking when force or stress is applied. In some embodiments, the tearing paths meet at a common point 78. In some embodiments, the tearing paths extend from an outer edge 70 of the frangible barrier 68 to a center of the frangible barrier 68. In some embodiments, the tearing paths extend from an outer edge 70 of the frangible barrier 68 to a center of the barrier 68 in straight lines; in some embodiments, the tearing paths extend from an outer edge 70 of the frangible barrier 68 to a center of the frangible barrier 68 in curvilinear lines.
The flaps 74 are forced apart into a bent position when they are forced into contact with the plurality of spaced-apart wings 44. In some embodiments, the flaps 74 may be symmetrical bodies 76 centered around a common point 78. This forced-apart, bent position forces the flaps 74 further apart and may open at least one path for the contained substance 62 to drain from the DCV 60 into the target container 301, and to backwash the contents of the target container 301 into the DCV 60 to flush out any residual traces of the contained substance 62. The transition from the secure conformation to the dispensing conformation places the central portion 46 and the plurality of spaced-apart wings 44 against the frangible barrier 68 to frangibly tear the frangible barrier 68 along the tearing paths, generating the plurality of flaps 74 and forcing the flaps 74 apart. In some embodiments, the tearing paths 72 may generate a plurality of vents 80 in the frangible barrier 68 that are widened when the frangible barrier 68 is forced against the central portion 46 and spaced-apart wings of the dispensing adaptor 20. In some embodiments, the tearing paths 72 may generate a single vent. The transition of from the secure conformation to the dispensing conformation may be generating a plurality of vents 80 and forcing the vents 80 apart, and the resilient peripheral edge 90 may sealably engage the channel 36.
In some embodiments, the plurality of flaps 74 may include as at least one lobe-shaped flap when the tearing paths 72 generate the plurality of vents 80. In some embodiments, the tearing paths 72 may generate at least one vent through which the contained substance 62 may flow (
These forced-open flaps 74 or vents 80 create paths through which the contained substance 62 flows out of the DCV 60 through the aperture 40 of the dispensing adaptor 20 into the target container 301. It is a feature of some embodiments that the direction of this flow may be reversible, or directed toward either the target container 301 or the DCV 60. This feature of reversibly altering the direction of the flow of the container contents facilitates a more complete transfer of the contained substance. It can also provide a way to efficiently mix the contents of the containers.
An alternate embodiment of the invention is shown in
This method of connection may require minimal force by the user to create at least one breach through which the contained substance 62 stored in the DCV 60 may be dispensed into the target container 301. Moving from secure to dispensing conformations may require as little as a single action from the user and a minimal application of force to take effect. Once the dispensing conformation is achieved, substances can freely flow between the DCV 60 and the target container 301 without further manipulation of the assembly. This conformation also allows a user to transfer the contents of the target container 301 to the DCV 60 and back, in order to flush any residual substances from the DCV 60. There is a need for containers that enable such a transfer of materials.
The dispensing system 10 can be used to transfer a substance into another container, which may be empty or contain its own substance. In a preferred embodiment, the dispensing system 10 can be used to add a substance to the contents of a target container 301. A feature of this embodiment is the reversible flow of materials between the containers when the dispensing feature is engaged. The contents are limited to transfer between the target container 301 and the dispensing system 10, allowing the efficient mixture of the materials. After the initial transfer of a substance into the target container 301, this feature enables the thorough flushing of the DCV 60, to facilitate a more complete delivery of that substance through an aperture of the dispensing adaptor into the target container.
After the contained substance 62 is transferred into the target container 301, the dispensing system 10 can be removed from the target container if desired and when needed.
An additional feature is that, while the dispensing is mounted to the target container, the contents of both devices may be secure from leakage and spillage. An additional feature is that the dispensing system 10 may protect the user and the substances from direct contact with each other at all times during the use of dispensing system 10.
Embodiments of the present invention may be fabricated to accommodate a variety of target containers of different sizes and mouths of different shapes.
Multiple embodiments of the claimed invention may be used to deliver more than one additive, contained substance to a target container at the same time or in separate steps at particular times, or in certain sequences, to enable the making of particular compositions. At least two dispenser assemblies may be used to dispense at least two substances into the same target container.
It may be desirable for a dispensing system 10 to be to allow a user to dispense a contained substance and then flush residual traces of the contained substance from the dispensing by pouring a substance, such as a fluid, liquid, suspension, or other substance, through the dispensing system 10. This feature may be particularly desirable where complete delivery of the contained substance is desired. A flow-through flushing feature can also be desirable to protect a user from contact with a contained substance, which may be caustic, toxic, or otherwise harmful to the user or the external environment. Such a feature can also be useful for removing traces of the contained substance 62 from the dispensing system 10 prior to the disposal of the dispensing system 10.
In some embodiments, at least two DCV 60 may be used together to dispense a contained substance 62 in a way to provide a dispensing system 10 with a flow-through flushing capability.
In some embodiments, neither a first DCV 60a nor a second DCV 60b would include a base 82. In such an embodiment, a frangible barrier 68 may be attached to each DCV 60a, 60b. At least one contained substance 62 may be placed into the first DCV 60a. The second DCV 60b may then be connected to the first DCV 60a, thus securing the contained substance 62 (
The dispensing adaptor 20 may connect to either end of the mated pair of DCVs 160; that is the dispensing adaptor 20 may sealably attach via the connecting portion 92 of the first or second DCV 60a, 60b. A user may attach the mated pair of DCVs 160 to the dispensing adaptor 20, forming the dispensing system 10; then, the dispensing system 10 may be engaged with the target container 301 to disrupt the frangible barrier 68 of the first DCV 60a and dispense the contained substance 62. After the contained substance 62 has been dispensed, the user may remove the mated pair of DCVs 160 from the target container 301, invert the mated pair of DCVs 160, and engage the opposite end of the mated pair of DCVs 160 to the dispensing adaptor 20. Upon disrupting the frangible barrier 68 of the second DCV 60b, both ends of the mated pair of DCVs 160 would be unsealed; in this conformation, a user can pour a substance, such as a fluid, liquid, suspension, or other substance, through the dispensing system 10 through an aperture of the dispensing adaptor into the target container.
In some embodiments, the dispensing system 10 includes a first DCV 60a and a second DCV 60b for being sealably connected to the dispensing adaptor 20, the first DCV 60a and second DCV 60b each having a connecting portion 54 for sealably communicating with the dispensing adaptor 20, at least one reservoir 64, and a resilient peripheral edge 90 for sealing the DCV 60a, 60b to the dispensing adaptor 20. Each DCV 60a, 60b may include a frangible barrier 68 having a plurality of tearing paths 72 defining a plurality of flaps 74 in the barrier 68. The first DCV 60a and the second DCV 60b may attach into a mated pair of DCVs 160 as a unitary container storing the contained substance 62 with the frangible barriers 68 on opposite ends of the unitary container.
The connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 may engage the connecting portion 54 of the first DCV 60a so that the resilient peripheral edge 90 engages the shoulder 34 in a secure conformation, the connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 engaging the connecting portion 92 of the first DCV 60a so that the resilient peripheral edge 90 sealably engages the channel 36 in a dispensing conformation, wherein a transition from the secure conformation to the dispensing conformation places the central portion 46 and the plurality of spaced-apart wings 44 against the frangible barrier 68 of the first DCV 60a to frangibly tear the frangible barrier 68 along the tearing paths 72, and the resilient peripheral edge 90 sealably engages the channel 36. The connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 may engage the connecting portion 92 of the second DCV 60b so that the resilient peripheral edge 90 engages the shoulder 34 in a secure conformation, the connecting portion 54 of the dispensing adaptor 20 engaging the connecting portion 92 of the second DCV 60b so that the resilient peripheral edge 90 sealably engages the channel 36 in a dispensing conformation, wherein a transition from the secure conformation to the dispensing conformation places the central portion 46 and the plurality of spaced-apart wings 44 against the barrier 68 of the second DCV 60b to frangibly tear the frangible barrier 68 along the tearing paths 72, and the resilient peripheral edge 90 can also sealably engage the channel 36.
Specific embodiments of a dispensing system according to the present invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the manner in which the invention can be made and used. It should be understood that the implementation of other variations and modifications of this invention and its different aspects will be apparent to one skilled in the art, and that this invention is not limited by the specific embodiments described. It is understood to encompass the present invention and any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the basic underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein.
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