Patent Application
20130153600
The invention generally relates dispensers. More particularly, embodiments relate to a dispenser that uses flexible bags and containers containing product that prevent weeping of the product.
The ability to dispense a controlled quantity of a condiment, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, salad dressings, hot wings sauce, spaghetti sauce, tartar sauce or other sauces, in an efficient manner has been important in the food service industry for many years. This is especially true for large volume food handling operations such as fast food restaurants, where employees and customers desire the ability to dispense condiments quickly and conveniently, and where even a marginal reduction in the waste of, or time required to dispense, condiments leads to significant savings in cost. Additionally, use of substantially all the condiment in a bag can lead to reduced costs and reduced waste.
Dispensing condiments from large, flexible plastic bags is advantageous. Condiments can be easily packaged in flexible bags at a central facility and shipped to the point of sale. Bulk plastic containers can incorporate gas barriers that allow condiments to be packaged so that they can be stored at room temperature, which makes the packages more convenient to ship and store. Storing the condiments at room temperature saves time when it is desirable that the condiment be served at room temperature by eliminating the requirement that the condiment be allowed to warm from a refrigerated temperature before use. Flexible plastic bags are a common form of packaging for food and thus are readily handled by employees without special training. Further, storing the condiments at room temperature reduces the expense of refrigeration. In addition, bags are often more cost effective, easier to dispose of, occupy less storage space if desired or needed and can still be refrigerated.
Historically, many products and condiments have been shipped and stored in tin cans, often #10 tin cans. While tin cans offer good shelf life performance, tin cans contribute to waste of product that clings to the side of cans. Further, tin cans are heavy to ship, store, and are heavy and voluminous for disposal. Additionally, tin cans require can openers to open—retrieving the opener reduces operational speed, and the opener may be difficult to locate, further reducing efficiency. Opening tin cans may also result in sharp edges that may tear garbage bags and pose a laceration risk.
Other historical containers may include gallon jugs and caulk cartridge type cans. However, gallon jugs contribute to waste in the same fashion as tin cans, and share many of the negative attributes of tin cans. Caulk cartridge type cans leave less product in the canister, but require priming of each can and may also generate significant wasted product. For example, a 25-ounce cartridge delivering a one-ounce payload may waste 4% of the product due to priming. However, caulk cartridge type cans may not be hermetically sealed, may be more expensive and may take up more room in a landfill.
Devices attempting to efficiently dispense condiments from bulk flexible plastic bags exist, including devices that use rollers advanced by gravity, by gears or rack and pinion means to squeeze condiment out of the plastic bags, but these devices have several disadvantages. Devices that use gravity actuated rollers or gears are complicated to manufacture and may involve manipulating the rollers in non-intuitive ways. Other devices that utilize more complex means for releasing condiment from the bags require that the bags incorporate specially designed fittings, including tubes and couplings, which increase the cost and complexity of the packaging and add to product waste during cleanup. Yet other devices use motorized pumps that require electricity and possibly pressurized gases to operate, which adds to the cost and size of the dispensers, increasing manufacturing costs and adding complexity during cleaning. Further, pumps may result in undesired splatter, which both wastes product, as well as work effort to clean the splatter. If a pump in the front of the store splatters, customers may become unhappy. Motorized devices often require long tubes that contribute to waste of the condiment and complicate clean up. Furthermore, existing types of dispensers have a single outlet for the condiment, which reduces efficiency at workstations where multiple outlets can be accommodated. Additionally, tubes reduce the range of movement and freedom of motion of the applicator device. Additionally, devices using pressurized gas rely on the gas, and in event of gas malfunction, or lack of gas supply, the device is non-functional.
Other devices utilize fitments that require significant expense, and contribute to waste if the fitment is improperly fitted. For example, a plastic fitment is used to provide a valve to a flexible bag. For use, the fitment must be separately manufactured, and heat sealed to a flexible bag.
The ability to reduce waste by reducing the amount of material left on the inside of the container is desirable.
The present invention advances the art.
In at least one embodiment the open dispenser 500 is configured to receive a flexible container (such as flexible bag 400 for example) such that the valve is positioned extending between two opposing ends of the dispenser 500 using one or more positioning devices. The door is closed, such that only the weakened portion and tear strip of the flexible bag extends thereform.
In at least one embodiment, the flexible bag includes a weakened area formed using a perforation a laser score on one or more side, forming a tear strip having a tearing direction. The flexible bag is opened along the tear strip in the tearing direction. The end cap is then secured to the dispenser, enabling dispensing of the product and preventing the product from leaking into the chamber (i.e., backflow).
One embodiment, relates to a dispenser including a container having a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuating device to selectively actuate a pump. The containment portion defines a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic and a second zone comprising a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic. The dispenser may include a valve separate from the pump, wherein the valve comprises one of the group consisting of a flexible seal, a foam, an open cell foam and a closed cell foam. The valve may comprise a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The dispenser may include a barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, wherein the barrier comprises one of the group consisting of open cell foam, closed cell foam and a flexible seal. At least one of the first zone and second zone may include an adhesive, a tacky polymer, tape and/or double sided tape. The dispenser may include at least one of a flexible bag, a flexible package and a flexible container along at least the first zone, where the at least of the flexible bag, the flexible package and the flexible container have an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5, a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5 or a coefficient of friction between about 0.1 and 1.0. Additionally the at least one flexible bag, the flexible package and the flexible container have an inner and outer surface, the outer surface having a higher coefficient of friction than the inner surface or the outer surface in combination with the first interior side having a lower coefficient of friction than the inner surface. The dispenser may include the pump having at least one of a group consisting of a piston, a mechanical drive member, a pneumatic drive member and an electrical drive member. The actuating device incrementally actuates the pump advancing the actuating device a predetermined amount and/or incrementally reversing a predetermined amount. The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along the second zone.
Still another embodiment relates to a dispensing system including a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump that includes at least one of a group consisting of a piston, mechanical drive device, pneumatic drive device and electrical drive device; the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic and a second zone includes a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic; and a flexible bag sized to substantially fit within the containment portion, wherein first zone partially holds to the flexible bag and wherein the piston translates axially through the chamber and everts the flexible bag. The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along at least the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along at least the second zone. The system further includes a valve separate from the pump, where the valve comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may include a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The system includes at least one barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, where the barrier comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The flexible bag may include an inner surface with a coefficient less than about 0.5, an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5 or an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. DD One other embodiment relates to a dispenser including a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump, the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least the second zone. The dispenser includes a valve separate from the pump, wherein the valve comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may comprise a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The first zone comprises at least one of a tacky polymer, an adhesive, tape, a high friction material having a coefficient of friction greater than about 0.5. The dispenser includes at least one barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, wherein the barrier comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal.
One other embodiment relates to a dispenser including a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump, the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least the second zone. The dispenser includes a valve separate from the pump, wherein the valve comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may comprise a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The first zone comprises at least one of a tacky polymer, an adhesive, tape, a high friction material having a coefficient of friction greater than about 0.5. The dispenser includes at least one barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, wherein the barrier comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal.
A dispenser includes a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump; a flexible bag; and wherein the containment portion may include at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to the flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. The dispenser further includes a valve separate from the pump, wherein the valve comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may include a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The dispenser further includes at least one barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, wherein the barrier comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The may include an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5, an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5, or an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. A method of dispensing product includes receiving a flexible bag containing product into a dispenser, the dispenser including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump including a piston, wherein the containment portion may include at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to hold to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone; bringing a portion of the flexible bag into contact with the first zone; translating the piston axially; pushing the piston against the flexible bag; and everting the flexible bag responsive to the pushing, wherein the everting comprises separating a portion of the held flexible bag from the first zone and allowing at least a portion of the detached flexible bag to be inserted into itself. The method includes dispensing product through a valve, wherein the everting comprises translating a piston axially such that the piston presses into the flexible bag such that an outer surface of the flexible bag detaches from the first zone responsive to the translation and enters an interior of the bag such that a first area of an inner surface of the flexible bag is brought into proximity with a second area of the inner surface, and wherein at least a portion of the flexible bag translates responsive to translation of the piston. A dispensing system includes a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump; the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic; a flexible bag sized to substantially fit within the containment portion, and wherein the flexible bag may include an inner and outer wall, the outer wall includes a third tackiness characteristic, wherein the inner surface has a coefficient of friction less than about 0.2 and 0.5.
A dispenser includes a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump; the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises a tackiness characteristic. The tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least one portion of the first interior side and not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along another portion of the first interior side. The flexible bag has an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5, an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5, or a coefficient of friction between about 0.1 and 1.0. The flexible bag may include at least a first zone including a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. The flexible bag may include a second zone includes a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic. The flexible bag has opposing first and second ends, wherein the tackiness characteristic is spaced from at least one of the first and second ends.
A dispenser adapted to receive a flexible bag and dispense a product, the dispenser includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall hingedly connected to the first wall and defining a chamber having a first end and a second end enabling the flexible bag to firmly adhere to a portion of at least one of the first wall and second wall and loosely adhere to a portion of at least one first wall and the second wall; a handle located proximate the chamber first end and having a trigger and a reversely biased actuating device; a piston positioned in the chamber and actionably coupled to at least the actuating device; and an end cap adapted to be removably, rotatably received by the housing proximate the second end, the end cap defining at least one opening adapted to allow flow in only one direction. The piston is a segmented piston. The dispenser includes at least one outlet having a valve fitment that allows product to flow there through in only one direction and/or having a predetermined shape allowing product to flow there though in only one direction. The dispenser may include a tacky portion mounted to at least one of the first wall and the second wall.
Another embodiment includes a dispenser adapted to receive a flexible bag and dispense a product contained in the flexible bag, the dispenser including a housing having a first wall and a second wall movably connected to the first wall and defining a chamber having a first end and a second end; a tacky portion contacting the housing enabling the flexible bag to firmly adhere to a first portion of the tacky portion and loosely adhere to a second portion of the tacky portion; a handle located proximate the chamber first end and having a reversely biasing actuating device; a segmented piston positioned in the chamber and actionably coupled to at least the actuating device enabling the segmented piston to advance in a reversible manner, applying pressure to the flexible bag and dispense the product; and an end cap adapted to be removably received by the housing proximate the second end, the end cap defining at least one outlet adapted to allow flow in only one direction, wherein the handle and segmented piston act in concert, such that upon applying pressure to the flexible bag, everting the flexible bag and dispensing a predetermined amount of the product, and upon completion of dispensing a predetermined amount of the product, relieves any residual pressure on the flexible bag, preventing the product from weeping. The at least one outlet has a valve fitment that allows product to flow there through in only one direction and/or includes the outlet having a predetermined shape allowing product to flow there though in only one direction. The tacky portion is mounted to at least one of the first wall and the second wall. An end cap is rotatably connected to the housing. The second wall is moveably connected to the first wall via at least one hinge. The dispenser includes a lock securing the first wall and the second wall. The handle further includes a trigger.
A dispenser adapted to dispense a product, the dispenser includes a housing having a first wall and a second d wall movably connected to the first wall and defining a chamber having a first end and a second end; a flexible bag received in the chamber and adapted to dispense a product upon application of pressure thereto; a tacky portion mounted to the housing enabling the flexible bag to firmly adhere to a first portion of the tacky portion and loosely adhere to a second portion of the tacky portion; a handle located proximate the chamber first end and having a trigger and a reversely biasing actuating device; a segmented piston positioned in the chamber and actionably coupled to at least the actuating device enabling the segmented piston to advance in a reversible manner, applying pressure to the flexible bag and dispense the product; and an end cap adapted to be removably received by the housing proximate the second end, the end cap defining at least one outlet adapted to allow flow in only one direction, wherein the handle and segmented piston act in concert, such that upon applying pressure to the flexible bag that flexible bag everts dispensing a predetermined amount of the product, and upon completion of dispensing a predetermined amount of the product, relieves any residual pressure on the flexible bag, preventing the product weeping.
One other embodiment relates to a method for dispensing a product using a dispenser adapted to receive a flexible bag includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall hingedly connected to the first wall and defining a chamber having a first end and a second end; a handle located proximate the chamber first end and having a trigger and a reversely biased actuating device; a tacky portion mounted to the housing having a first portion and a second portion; a segmented piston positioned in the chamber and actionably coupled to at least the actuating device; and an end cap adapted to be removably, rotatably received by the housing proximate the second end, the end cap defining at least one outlet adapted to allow flow in only one direction; the flexible bag formed from a film includes: a first edge; a first surface, the first surface having a first static coefficient; a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface having a static coefficient of friction greater than the first static coefficient; the second surface firmly adhering to the first portion of the tacky portion and loosely adhering to the second portion of the tacky portion; and wherein the at least one layer is joined along at least the first edge and defining a tearing direction that allows the flexible bag to be torn open only along the tearing direction; the method includes removing the end cap; moving the first wall away from the secong wall, opening the dispenser and exposing at least the chamber; positioning the flexible bag in the chamber such that at least the tear strip extends from the dispenser; moving the first wall towards the second wall, closing the dispenser; opening the tear strip in the tearing direction; placing the end cap on the dispenser; and actuating the actuating device.
Still another embodiment relates to a film used to form a flexible bag including at least one layer adapted to be folded over on itself without cracking, the at least one layer includes at least one edge; a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one of the first or second surface having a coefficient of friction less than 0.5; and wherein the at least one layer is adapted to be joined along the at least one edge, forming the flexible bag and scored, forming a weakened portion. At least one of the first and second surfaces has a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. 93.
The first surface has a static coefficient of friction less than 0.5 and the second surface has a static coefficient of friction greater than 0.5.
The flexible bag formed from a film comprising includes at least one layer adapted to be folded upon itself without cracking, the at least one layer includes a first edge and a second edge; a first surface, the first surface having a static coefficient of friction less than 0.5; a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface having a static coefficient of friction greater than 0.5; and wherein the at least one layer is joined along at least the first edge, forming the flexible bag and the second end is scored defining a tearing direction that allows the flexible bag to be torn open only along the tearing direction. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. The flexible bag includes at least a first zone of at least the first surface resists the film slipping along the first zone and a second zone of the second surface does not resist the film slipping along the second zone. The flexible bag further includes at least one location device, comprises at least one hole and/or at least one location device comprises at least one marking on the bag.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments, read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative of the invention rather than limiting, the scope of the invention can be defined by the appended the claims and equivalents thereof.
Throughout the various figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements.
In at least one embodiment illustrated in
In at least one embodiment, the first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist the flexible container 315 slipping along the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist the flexible bag 315 slipping along the second zone.
One embodiment relates to a dispenser including a container. The container may include a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuating device to selectively actuate a pump. The containment portion defines a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic and a second zone comprising a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic.
The dispenser may include a valve separate from the pump. The valve may comprise a flexible seal, foam, open cell foam, and/or closed cell foam. In at least one embodiment, the valve may include a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump.
The dispenser may include a barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump. The barrier may include one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal.
At least one of the first zone and second zone may include an adhesive, a tacky polymer and/or a tape, a double sided tape for example. The adhesive, tacky polymer and/or tape may be arranged along the entire first and second zone or some portion thereof. Further, the adhesive, tacky polymer and/or tape may be arranged in a pattern along the first and second zone or some portion thereof, including, for example, helical, longitudinal, horizontal and the like.
The dispenser may further include a flexible bag along at least the first zone, the flexible bag having an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5 (either filled or empty) but in one or more embodiments the coefficient of friction for the inner surface of the bag may between about 0.2 and 0.5 (either filled or empty).
The dispenser may include the pump having at least one of the group consisting of a piston, mechanical drive member, pneumatic drive member and an electrical drive member. The dispenser may include the actuating device incrementally actuating the pump, where the pump is incrementally advanced and/or reversed a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount may be preset or selectable by the user.
The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along the second zone.
The actuating device may include one of a group consisting of a actuating device, a button and a squeeze mechanism.
Yet another embodiment relates to a system including a container having a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuating device to selectively actuate a pump. The containment portion defines a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side. The first interior side may include at least a first zone having a first tackiness characteristic and a second zone having a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic. The system further may include a flexible bag sized to substantially fit within the containment portion, extending along the entire length of the chamber or a portion thereof.
The pump may include at least one of the group of a piston, mechanical drive member, pneumatic drive member and electrical drive member.
The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along the second zone.
The system may include the valve separate from the pump, where the valve may include at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. Alternatively the valve may include a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump.
The system may include a barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump. The barrier may include one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal.
Still another embodiment relates to a system including a container. The container may include a containment portion and a handle portion. The handle portion contains an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump that comprises at least one of a group consisting of a piston, mechanical drive device, pneumatic drive device and electrical drive device. The containment portion defines a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side. The first interior side may include at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic and a second zone comprising a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic. A flexible bag may be sized to substantially fit within the containment portion, extending along the entire length or a portion thereof, wherein the first zone partially adheres to the flexible bag and wherein the piston translates axially through the chamber and everts the flexible bag.
The first tackiness characteristic of the system provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along the second zone.
The valve of the system may include a valve separate from the pump. The valve may comprise one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may comprise a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump.
The system may include a barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump. The barrier may comprise one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The flexible bag may include an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5 but may be between about 0.2 and 0.5.
Still another embodiment may include a dispenser including a container. The container may include a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump. The containment portion defines a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone.
The first tackiness characteristic of the dispenser provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along the second zone.
The dispenser may include a valve separate from the pump. The valve may comprise at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may comprise a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump.
The first zone may include at least one of a tacky polymer, an adhesive, tape, and a high friction material having a coefficient of friction greater than about 0.5.
The dispenser may include a barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump. The barrier may comprise one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal.
Other embodiments relate to a dispenser including a container and a flexible bag. The container may include a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump. The container may include a containment portion having at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to the flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone.
The dispenser may include a valve separate from the pump. The valve may include one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may include a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The barrier may be configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump. The barrier may comprise at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal.
The flexible bag may include an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5 but embodiments may have the coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5.
Another embodiment may relate to a method of dispensing product. The method may include receiving a flexible bag containing product into a dispenser, the dispenser including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump including a piston, wherein the containment portion may include at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. The method may further may include adhering a portion of the flexible bag to the first zone; translating the piston axially; pushing the piston against the flexible bag; and everting the flexible bag responsive to the pushing, wherein the everting comprises detaching a portion of the adhered flexible bag from the first zone and allowing at least a portion of the detached flexible bag to be inserted into the flexible bag.
The method may further include dispensing product through a valve.
Everting may include translating a piston axially such that the piston presses into the flexible bag such that an outer surface of the flexible bag detaches from the first zone responsive to the translation and enters an interior of the bag such that a first area of an inner surface of the flexible bag is brought substantially into contact with a second area of the inner surface, and wherein a greater length the flexible bag translates responsive to greater translation of the piston.
Embodiments may include a system including a container and a flexible bag. The container may include a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump. The containment portion may define a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic. The flexible bag may be sized to substantially fit within the containment portion, wherein the flexible bag may include an inner and outer wall, the outer wall comprising a third tackiness characteristic, wherein the inner surface of the bag has a coefficient less than about 0.5 but embodiments include a coefficient of friction between about 0.1 and 1, in one embodiment between about 0.2 and 0.5.
Yet another embodiment relates to a dispenser including a container. The container may include a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump. The containment portion defines a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises a tackiness characteristic.
The tackiness characteristic of the dispenser provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least one portion of the first interior side and not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along another portion of the first interior side.
The flexible bag has an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5 but embodiments may have a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. The flexible bag may include at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. Additionally, the flexible bag may include a second zone comprising a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic. The flexible bag has opposing first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second zones is spaced from at least one of the first and second ends.
Corner Seals may be formed on the top and bottom of the flexible bag as illustrated in
The flexible bag may be formed from a sheet of film having a composition and structure appropriate for the product to be stored therein, and that may be designed to exhibit desired characteristics after disposal of the package or bag. The sheet of film for the flexible bag may be formed from materials such as polypropylene (PP), ethyl vinyl alcohol, polyethylene, EVA co-polymers, foil (such as aluminum foil), paper, polyester (PE), nylon (poly amide), and/or composites thereof. In other embodiments, the sheet of film may be formed from metalized oriented polypropylene (OPP) or metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations of such materials. Still further, the sheet of film may include or be infused with a degradable or biodegradable component that may allow the container to degrade in a relatively short amount of time after its useful life; the film may include an outer ply of heat sealable oriented polypropylene or other material suitable for heat sealing.
The fitment may be made from any appropriate material having the necessary properties to be sealed to the flexible bag. For example, the fitment may be made from a plastic material, such as PE, polyethylene terephthalate (PETE), polyactic acid (PLA), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), PP, and the like, by means of an appropriate forming process, such as thermoforming, injection molding, casting or blow molding. As with the sheet of film, the fitment material may also include a degradable or biodegradable component to facilitate the breakdown after disposal. In alternative embodiments, the flexible bag may be constructed with fitments having varying configurations, or without lid fitments. Still further, the fitment may be eliminated completely in favor of the recloseable flap, and the like.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a film used to form a flexible bag for example. In at least one embodiment, the film comprises one or more flexible or supple layers, where the film is adapted to be folded over on itself, forming a fold with a small or tight radius without cracking. In one or more embodiments, the film comprises at least two layers, one layer comprising a sealant, while one or more other layers may comprise a different material, a polyester for example.
In at least one embodiment, the film includes one or more edges and opposing first and second surfaces, where the two surfaces have different coefficients of friction (static coefficients of friction for example). For example, the first surface may have a static coefficient of friction of 0.5 or less (between 0.2 and 0.5, for example), while the second surface may have a static coefficient of friction of 0.5 or more (0.6 and 1.0 for example).
In at least one embodiment, the film may include at least a first zone of at least one of the first and second surfaces resisting the film slipping along the first zone and a second zone of the at least one of the first and second surfaces which does not resist the film slipping along the second zone. At least one of the first and second zones may include a tackiness characteristic, including a tacky polymer, a tape (double-sided tape for example) and the like.
The film may have a composition and structure appropriate for the product to be stored therein, and that may be designed to exhibit desired characteristics after disposal of the package or bag. The film may be formed from materials such as polypropylene (PP), ethyl vinyl alcohol, polyethylene, EVA co-polymers, foil (such as aluminum foil), paper, polyester (PE), nylon (poly amide), and/or composites thereof. In other embodiments, the sheet of film may be formed from metalized oriented polypropylene (OPP) or metalized polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations of such materials. Still further, the sheet of film may include or be infused with a degradable or biodegradable component that may allow the container to degrade in a relatively short amount of time after its useful life; the film may include an outer ply of heat sealable oriented polypropylene or other material suitable for heat sealing.
As illustrated, flexible bag 400 may include a first end 420, a second end 422, and wall 424 extending there between, where at least wall 424 (having first and second surfaces for example) contacts or engages first interior side and/or first zone and second zone. First end 420, second end 422 and wall 424 define a pouch adapted to be filled and sealed.
In at least one embodiment the open dispenser 500 is configured to receive a flexible container (such as flexible bag 400 for example) such that the valve is positioned extending between two opposing ends of the dispenser 500 using one or more positioning devices. The door is closed, such that only the weakened portion and tear strip of the flexible bag extends thereform. In at least one embodiment, the flexible bag includes a weakened area formed using a perforation a laser score on one or more side, forming a tear strip having a tearing direction. The flexible bag is opened along the tear strip in the tearing direction. The end cap is then secured to the dispenser, enabling dispensing of the product and preventing the product from leaking into the chamber (i.e., backflow).
One embodiment, relates to a dispenser including a container having a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuating device to selectively actuate a pump. The containment portion defines a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises at least a first zone comprising a first tackiness characteristic and a second zone comprising a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic. The dispenser may include a valve separate from the pump, wherein the valve comprises one of the group consisting of a flexible seal, a foam, an open cell foam and a closed cell foam. The valve may comprise a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The dispenser may include a barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, wherein the barrier comprises one of the group consisting of open cell foam, closed cell foam and a flexible seal. At least one of the first zone and second zone may include an adhesive, a tacky polymer, tape and/or double sided tape. The dispenser may include at least one of a flexible bag, a flexible package and a flexible container along at least the first zone, where the at least of the flexible bag, the flexible package and the flexible container have an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5, a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5 or a coefficient of friction between about 0.1 and 1.0. Additionally the at least one flexible bag, the flexible package and the flexible container have an inner and outer surface, the outer surface having a higher coefficient of friction than the inner surface or the outer surface in combination with the first interior side having a lower coefficient of friction than the inner surface. The dispenser may include the pump having at least one of a group consisting of a piston, a mechanical drive member, a pneumatic drive member and an electrical drive member. The actuating device incrementally actuates the pump advancing the actuating device a predetermined amount and/or incrementally reversing a predetermined amount. The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along the second zone.
Still another embodiment relates to a dispensing system including a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump that includes at least one of a group consisting of a piston, mechanical drive device, pneumatic drive device and electrical drive device; the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic and a second zone includes a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic; and a flexible bag sized to substantially fit within the containment portion, wherein first zone partially holds to the flexible bag and wherein the piston translates axially through the chamber and everts the flexible bag. The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along at least the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along at least the second zone. The system further includes a valve separate from the pump, where the valve comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may include a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The system includes at least one barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, where the barrier comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The flexible bag may include an inner surface with a coefficient less than about 0.5, an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5 or an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. DD
One other embodiment relates to a dispenser including a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump, the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. The first tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least the first zone, and wherein the second tackiness characteristic is not sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least the second zone. The dispenser includes a valve separate from the pump, wherein the valve comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may comprise a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The first zone comprises at least one of a tacky polymer, an adhesive, tape, a high friction material having a coefficient of friction greater than about 0.5. The dispenser includes at least one barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, wherein the barrier comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal.
A dispenser includes a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuation device to selectively actuate a pump; a flexible bag; and wherein the containment portion may include at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to the flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. The dispenser further includes a valve separate from the pump, wherein the valve comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The valve may include a mechanical device for selective actuation of the valve responsive to actuation of the pump. The dispenser further includes at least one barrier configured to open responsive to increased pressure resulting from actuation of the pump, wherein the barrier comprises at least one of the group consisting of an open cell foam, a closed cell foam and a flexible seal. The may include an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5, an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5, or an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. A method of dispensing product includes receiving a flexible bag containing product into a dispenser, the dispenser including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump including a piston, wherein the containment portion may include at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to hold to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone; bringing a portion of the flexible bag into contact with the first zone; translating the piston axially; pushing the piston against the flexible bag; and everting the flexible bag responsive to the pushing, wherein the everting comprises separating a portion of the held flexible bag from the first zone and allowing at least a portion of the detached flexible bag to be inserted into itself. The method includes dispensing product through a valve, wherein the everting comprises translating a piston axially such that the piston presses into the flexible bag such that an outer surface of the flexible bag detaches from the first zone responsive to the translation and enters an interior of the bag such that a first area of an inner surface of the flexible bag is brought into proximity with a second area of the inner surface, and wherein at least a portion of the flexible bag translates responsive to translation of the piston. A dispensing system includes a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump; the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises at least a first zone includes a first tackiness characteristic; a flexible bag sized to substantially fit within the containment portion, and wherein the flexible bag may include an inner and outer wall, the outer wall includes a third tackiness characteristic, wherein the inner surface has a coefficient of friction less than about 0.2 and 0.5.
A dispenser includes a container including a containment portion and a handle portion, the handle portion containing an actuator device to selectively actuate a pump; the containment portion defining a chamber, wherein the chamber may include at least a first interior side, and wherein the first interior side comprises a tackiness characteristic. The tackiness characteristic provides a degree of tackiness sufficient to resist a flexible bag slipping along at least one portion of the first interior side and not sufficient to resist the flexible bag slipping along another portion of the first interior side. The flexible bag has an inner surface with a coefficient of friction less than about 0.5, an inner surface with a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5, or a coefficient of friction between about 0.1 and 1.0. The flexible bag may include at least a first zone including a first tackiness characteristic sufficient to adhere to a flexible bag while allowing the flexible bag to evert by pulling away from the first zone. The flexible bag may include a second zone includes a second tackiness characteristic, such that the first tackiness characteristic exceeds the second tackiness characteristic. The flexible bag has opposing first and second ends, wherein the tackiness characteristic is spaced from at least one of the first and second ends.
A dispenser adapted to receive a flexible bag and dispense a product, the dispenser includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall hingedly connected to the first wall and defining a chamber having a first end and a second end enabling the flexible bag to firmly adhere to a portion of at least one of the first wall and second wall and loosely adhere to a portion of at least one first wall and the second wall; a handle located proximate the chamber first end and having a trigger and a reversely biased actuating device; a piston positioned in the chamber and actionably coupled to at least the actuating device; and an end cap adapted to be removably, rotatably received by the housing proximate the second end, the end cap defining at least one opening adapted to allow flow in only one direction. The piston is a segmented piston. The dispenser includes at least one outlet having a valve fitment that allows product to flow there through in only one direction and/or having a predetermined shape allowing product to flow there though in only one direction. The dispenser may include a tacky portion mounted to at least one of the first wall and the second wall. The dispenser may further include the end cap rotatably connected to the housing and/or a lock securing the first wall and the second wall.
Another embodiment includes a dispenser adapted to receive a flexible bag and dispense a product contained in the flexible bag, the dispenser including a housing having a first wall and a second wall movably connected to the first wall and defining a chamber having a first end and a second end; a tacky portion contacting the housing enabling the flexible bag to firmly adhere to a first portion of the tacky portion and loosely adhere to a second portion of the tacky portion; a handle located proximate the chamber first end and having a reversely biasing actuating device; a segmented piston positioned in the chamber and actionably coupled to at least the actuating device enabling the segmented piston to advance in a reversible manner, applying pressure to the flexible bag and dispense the product; and an end cap adapted to be removably received by the housing proximate the second end, the end cap defining at least one outlet adapted to allow flow in only one direction, wherein the handle and segmented piston act in concert, such that upon applying pressure to the flexible bag, everting the flexible bag and dispensing a predetermined amount of the product, and upon completion of dispensing a predetermined amount of the product, relieves any residual pressure on the flexible bag, preventing the product from weeping. The at least one outlet has a valve fitment that allows product to flow there through in only one direction and/or includes the outlet having a predetermined shape allowing product to flow there though in only one direction. The tacky portion is mounted to at least one of the first wall and the second wall. An end cap is rotatably connected to the housing. The second wall is moveably connected to the first wall via at least one hinge. The dispenser includes a lock securing the first wall and the second wall. The handle further includes a trigger.
A dispenser adapted to dispense a product, the dispenser includes a housing having a first wall and a second d wall movably connected to the first wall and defining a chamber having a first end and a second end; a flexible bag received in the chamber and adapted to dispense a product upon application of pressure thereto; a tacky portion mounted to the housing enabling the flexible bag to firmly adhere to a first portion of the tacky portion and loosely adhere to a second portion of the tacky portion; a handle located proximate the chamber first end and having a trigger and a reversely biasing actuating device; a segmented piston positioned in the chamber and actionably coupled to at least the actuating device enabling the segmented piston to advance in a reversible manner, applying pressure to the flexible bag and dispense the product; and an end cap adapted to be removably received by the housing proximate the second end, the end cap defining at least one outlet adapted to allow flow in only one direction, wherein the handle and segmented piston act in concert, such that upon applying pressure to the flexible bag that flexible bag everts dispensing a predetermined amount of the product, and upon completion of dispensing a predetermined amount of the product, relieves any residual pressure on the flexible bag, preventing the product weeping. The dispenser includes at least one outlet having a valve fitment that allows product to flow there through in only one direction. The dispenser further includes the outlet having a predetermined shape allowing product to flow there thought in only one direction. The dispenser includes the end cap rotatably connected to the housing. The second wall is moveably connected to the first wall via at least one hinge.
One other embodiment relates to a method for dispensing a product using a dispenser adapted to receive a flexible bag includes a housing having a first wall and a second wall hingedly connected to the first wall and defining a chamber having a first end and a second end; a handle located proximate the chamber first end and having a trigger and a reversely biased actuating device; a tacky portion mounted to the housing having a first portion and a second portion; a segmented piston positioned in the chamber and actionably coupled to at least the actuating device; and an end cap adapted to be removably, rotatably received by the housing proximate the second end, the end cap defining at least one outlet adapted to allow flow in only one direction; the flexible bag formed from a film includes: a first edge; a first surface, the first surface having a first static coefficient; a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface having a static coefficient of friction greater than the first static coefficient; the second surface firmly adhering to the first portion of the tacky portion and loosely adhering to the second portion of the tacky portion; and wherein the at least one layer is joined along at least the first edge and defining a tearing direction that allows the flexible bag to be torn open only along the tearing direction; the method includes removing the end cap; moving the first wall away from the secong wall, opening the dispenser and exposing at least the chamber; positioning the flexible bag in the chamber such that at least the tear strip extends from the dispenser; moving the first wall towards the second wall, closing the dispenser; opening the tear strip in the tearing direction; placing the end cap on the dispenser; and actuating the actuating device.
Still another embodiment relates to a film used to form a flexible bag including at least one layer adapted to be folded over on itself without cracking, the at least one layer includes at least one edge; a first surface; a second surface opposite the first surface, at least one of the first or second surface having a coefficient of friction less than 0.5; and wherein the at least one layer is adapted to be joined along the at least one edge, forming the flexible bag and scored, forming a weakened portion. At least one of the first and second surfaces has a coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. 93.
The first surface has a static coefficient of friction less than 0.5 and the second surface has a static coefficient of friction greater than 0.5.
The flexible bag formed from a film comprising includes at least one layer adapted to be folded upon itself without cracking, the at least one layer includes a first edge and a second edge; a first surface, the first surface having a static coefficient of friction less than 0.5; a second surface opposite the first surface, the second surface having a static coefficient of friction greater than 0.5; and wherein the at least one layer is joined along at least the first edge, forming the flexible bag and the second end is scored defining a tearing direction that allows the flexible bag to be torn open only along the tearing direction. The first surface has a static coefficient of friction between about 0.2 and 0.5. The flexible bag includes at least a first zone of at least the first surface resists the film slipping along the first zone and a second zone of the second surface does not resist the film slipping along the second zone. The flexible bag further includes at least one location device, comprises at least one hole and/or at least one location device comprises at least one marking on the bag.
While the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are presently considered to be preferred, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.
This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/544,247 filed Oct. 6, 2011 titled “Dispensing System for Flexible Bags”: U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/545,990 filed Oct. 11, 2011 titled “Dispensing System for Flexible Bags”: U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/556,763 filed Nov. 7, 2011 titled “Film for Flexible Bags”; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/709,018 filed Oct. 2, 2012 titled “Film for Flexible Bags” the complete subject matter of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61544247 | Oct 2011 | US | |
| 61545990 | Oct 2011 | US | |
| 61556763 | Nov 2011 | US | |
| 61709018 | Oct 2012 | US |
