DISPENSER WITH SANITARY DISCHARGE

Abstract

A dispenser for flowable product is provided having a container body defining a storage chamber. A discharge tube is provided having an inlet positioned within the storage chamber and an outlet positioned within a recess formed in the top wall of the container. A cap is releasably secured to outlet of the discharge tube and positioned within the recess when in the closed position. A removable patch is secured to the top wall and covers the recess, the discharge tube outlet and the cap. Removal of the patch exposes the cap within the recess. The sealing member is released from its closed position to expose the outlet of the discharge tube. The dispenser is selectively rotated for discharge of the product through the tube outlet.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a dispenser for retaining and discharging a flowable product, such as a granular or powdered material. The dispenser further includes a sealing structure for the discharge outlet.

BACKGROUND

A number of forms of dispensers having discharge controls are known, including those having a closed or shipping position and a separate operative position whereby discharge of the retained product may occur.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,344,962 to Popivalo shows a dispensing device having a defined chamber and a discharge tube extending from the top of the chamber to an inlet opening positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the chamber. A pivotable plate normally covers the top end of the discharge tube and opens when the dispenser is in the inverted, discharge position.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,538,336 to Smith shows a dispensing device having a defined chamber and a discharge tube extending from the top of the chamber to an inlet opening positioned adjacent the bottom wall. A cap is inserted into the top end of the discharge tube to close the dispenser and is removed to permit discharge through the tube upon inversion of the dispenser.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,276,382 to Loveland shows a dispensing device having an axially moveable discharge tube positioned along one side of a container. The discharge tube communicates with a casing formed on the bottom wall of a retaining chamber within the device. The front wall of the casing is open to the chamber, such that material in the chamber may fill the casing when the discharge tube is in a lifted position. Rotation of the tube about its central axis positions the flange to close the inlet opening. Lifting of the tube (axially) opens the casing for filling material therein. Inversion of the device discharges the dose of material from the casing through the discharge tube.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,186,366 to Meisner et al. shows a dispenser having a metering trap at the base for defining a product dose to be dispensed. The dispenser includes a discharge tube that is positioned along one side wall and is open at the bottom. The trap is rotatable and forms the bottom wall of the dispenser. The trap includes a number of chambers that are filled with the product from the dispenser. Rotation of the trap positions the discharge tube to cover one of the chambers and inversion of the dispenser causes discharge of the product within the covered chamber through the discharge tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the disclosure, a dispenser is provided for retaining a flowable product, such as a granular or powdered material. The dispenser includes a body defining a storage chamber for retaining the product. The body may be formed from a side wall, a top wall having a defined surface and a recess formed therein, and a bottom wall. An opening is provided in the recess and a discharge tube is secured within the opening. The discharge tube includes an inlet positioned within the storage chamber and an outlet positioned within the recess in the top wall. A sealing cap is provided for releasably covering the outlet of the discharge tube and closing the tube. The sealing cap is positioned within the recess in the closed position. A patch is releasably secured to the top wall and covers the recess. The patch preferably conforms to the defined surface of the top wall and seals the recess, with the cap and discharge tube outlet also sealed therein. The patch may be removed from the sealing position to expose the cap. Removal of the cap from the discharge tube exposes the outlet. Rotation of the dispenser from an upright position to a second position causes movement of product from the chamber, into the inlet, through the tube and out of the outlet.

In a further aspect of the dispenser, the cap may be frictionally secured to the outlet of the discharge tube. The cap may be tethered to the discharge tube and may be integrally formed with the tube. The discharge tube may include an outwardly projecting flange positioned adjacent the outlet, with the flange providing stabilization to the discharge tube in the opening. The discharge tube may further be slidingly retained within the opening in the top wall.

In a further aspect of the dispenser, the side wall may be formed as an open ended cylinder, with the top wall attached to the one end of the cylinder and the bottom wall attached to an opposite end of the cylinder to form the body of the dispenser.

In a still further aspect of the dispenser, the patch is adhesively secured to the defined surface of the top wall. The patch may be formed from a flexible web.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, a dispenser for flowable product is provided having a container body defining a storage chamber. A discharge tube is provided having an inlet communicating with the storage chamber and an outlet positioned with a recess in the wall of the container. A cap is releasably secured to the outlet of the discharge tube and positioned within the recess. A removable patch is secured to the top wall and covers the recess, the discharge tube outlet and the cap. Removal of the patch exposes the cap within the recess. The cap may then be released from its closed position to expose the outlet of the discharge tube. The dispenser is selectively rotated for discharge of the product through the discharge tube.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a dispenser in a form contemplated by the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 with a patch portion being removed from the top wall of the dispenser body.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the dispenser of FIGS. 1 and 2 with a sealing cap shown in a rotated, open position.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 1 with the patch portion in its covering position on the top wall of the dispenser body.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the dispenser as shown in FIG. 2 with the sealing cap shown in the rotated, open position.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the top wall portion of the dispenser of FIGS. 1-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, where like numerals identify like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a dispenser, which is generally referred to by the numeral 10. The dispenser 10 is defined by a container body 12 having a side wall 14, a top wall 16. As shown in the cross sections of FIGS. 4 and 5, a bottom wall 18 is provided. The bottom wall 18, side wall 14 and top wall 16 define an internal storage chamber 20. The embodiment if the dispenser 10 shown includes a cylindrical side wall 14 and round plates forming the top wall 16 and bottom wall 18. Other forms and shapes are contemplated, including square, rectangular, triangular or other multi-walled configurations.

In FIG. 1, the top wall 16 is secured to the side wall 14 and a cover or patch 22 is secured to the upper surface 24 of the top wall 16. The patch 22 is contemplated to be a planer membrane or web that is adhesively secured to the outer surface 24 of the top wall 16. The patch may be formed by a barrier film, paper or foil. Other materials my also be utilized as desired. In FIG. 2, the patch 22 is removed from the upper surface 24, exposing a sealing cap 26. In the cross section of FIG. 4, the cap 26 is in the closed position and is secured to the outlet end 28 of a discharge tube 30. The inlet end 32 of the discharge tube 30 is positioned within the storage chamber 20. The outlet end 28 of the tube 30 and the sealing cap 26 are positioned within a formed recess 34 on the upper surface 24 of the top wall 16.

In FIGS. 3 and 5, the cap 26 is shown in an open position. The cap 26 includes a top surface and a peripheral skirt defining inside dimensions that closely conform to the outside dimensions of the outlet end 28 of the discharge tube 30. The cap 26 in the closed position (FIGS. 2 and 4) is frictionally secured to the outlet end 38 of the tube 30 and may be selectively removed to open the dispenser 10 for discharge (FIGS. 3 and 5). The cap 26 is preferably connected to the tube 30 by a tether or hinge. The cap 26 may be integrally formed or molded as part of the tube 30 or may include means for attachment. Alternatively the cap 26 may be a separate element. In the open position, the cap 26 is retained within a saddle portion 38 of the recess 36. The dimensions of the saddle portion 38 may be formed to frictionally accept the cap within the recess 38 to avoid accidental interference with the opening of the tube 20 at the outlet end 28. The cap 26 is provided with projecting tabs 34 on the side edges of the skirt. The tabs 34 are provided for gripping the cap 26 during release from the closed position on the tube 30 and during the securing of the cap 26 on the outlet end 28 when closing the tube 30.

In FIG. 6, the top wall 16 is shown separate from the body (12) of the dispenser (10). The top wall 16 is embodied as a plate having an upstanding a peripheral rim 40. As shown in the cross sections of FIGS. 4 and 5, the rim 40 forms a groove facing in the direction of the bottom surface 44 of the plate. The groove is formed to receive an upper edge of the side wall 14. An opening 46 is provided in the recess 36 in the top wall 16.

In assembling the dispenser 10, the upper edge of the side wall 14 is inserted into a groove formed by the rim 40 of the top wall 16. The rim 40 and side wall 14 are secured together by any number of means, including a crimping of the rim, adhesive, rolling of the rim and sidewall together, spin welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. As shown, the bottom wall 18 includes a similarly formed rim 42 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) having a groove for receipt of the bottom edge of the side wall 14. The securing of the side wall 14 to the respective rims 40, 42 of the top wall 16 and bottom wall 18 create the enclosed storage chamber 20. Any number of possible materials may be used to form the container body. For example, the body may be formed from a combination of materials, such as a composite side wall and injection molded top wall and bottom wall. The side wall and bottom wall may also be injection molded, with the top wall attached to the open end of the formed body structure. A blow molding process for forming the container body may also be used. Other material examples include metals, such as aluminum, etc., for forming one or more of the parts. In another example, a relatively rigid top wall or partial wall portion may be attached to a flexible pouch or other flexible body member to form the container and to define the storage chamber.

The discharge tube 30 is inserted (see FIGS. 4 and 5) into the opening 46 formed in the recess 36 portion of the top wall 16. The outlet end 28 of the tube 30 is provided with a projecting flange 48 forming a stop to secure and/or stabilize the tube 30 in the opening 46. The flange 48 and top wall 16 are preferably sealed together, either by the frictional engagement or by some other means, such as welding, adhesive, etc.

The flange 48 on the tube 30 is formed closely adjacent the outlet end 28, such that only a portion of the tube 30 projects into the recess 36. The top edge of the tube 30 is preferably positioned below the upper surface 24 of the top wall 16. The cap 26 is positioned on the outlet end 28 of the tube 30, closing the discharge tube 30. The patch 22 is secured to the upper surface 24 of the top wall 16, sealing the tube 30 and cap 26 in the recess 36 (see FIG. 4). The patch 22 is preferably thin and formed from a flexible material, such as a plastic, paper or combination web or film. The patch 22 is substantially positioned in the plane of the upper surface 24 of the top wall 16 and covers the recess 36. The patch may be adhesively sealed to the portion of the upper surface 24 surrounding the recess 36. An overcap or other structures may be added to the dispenser as desired.

To open the dispenser 10 for discharge of a product (not shown) retained in the storage chamber 20, the patch 22 is removed. A start-up tab (not shown) may be provided for grip and to initiate pealing separation of the patch 22 from the top wall 16. Once the patch 22 is removed, the cap 26 is exposed and may be removed from its frictional engagement with the tube 20. The cap 26 may be placed in the saddle 38. The dimensions of the saddle portion 38 may conform to those of the cap 26, creating a frictional retention of the cap 26.

Removal of the cap 26 from the outlet end of the tube 30 opens the dispenser 10. Product retained in the storage chamber 20 may be discharge through the tube 30 by tilting or inversion of the dispenser 10. Product flows from the chamber 20, into the inlet end 32 of the tube 20, through the tube 30 and out of the open outlet end 28. Generally, a single dose of product is discharged through the tube 30 on each inversion. The dose is defined by the amount of material positioned adjacent the inlet end 32 prior to inversion. The additional product retained within the chamber 20 is prevented from flowing out of the tube 30 during inversion, because it moves towards the top wall, away from the tube inlet 32. Additional means for controlling the quantity of each dose of product that enters the tube during the inversion process may also be provided. Further, the tube may be slidably secured within the opening 46 on the top wall 16, permitting a selective extension of the tube 30 from the recess 36. Upon completing the discharge, the dispenser 10 is positioned upright and the cap 26 is secured onto the outlet end 28 of the tube 30, closing the product in the chamber 20.

The contemplated dispenser provides a barrier for maintaining the discharge structures in a sanitary state during shipment and storage. The barrier formed by the contemplated patch may also serve to prevent the flow of moisture, oxygen or other gas into or out of the storage chamber. The overall structure of the dispenser is contemplated to create a high barrier package, with sufficient gas and moisture barrier properties to meet the required standards for food storage. The patch serves to seal the discharge opening in the package. The patch may be formed from a plastic web with means provided to create the desired moisture or gas barrier qualities. The web may be a laminated structure and may include aluminum or a similar barrier material. The patch may also be formed from a film, paper or foil. In other forms, the patch may include a one-way degassing valve for allowing degassing of the product within the storage chamber.

The barrier patch may further be used to deter tampering and to provide an indication of tampering. For example, the adhesive or other securing means for the patch may be sufficiently strong to prevent undemanding removal. Further, the adhesive preferably may be blocked upon removal, such that resealing is not readily possible, once the patch is removed. However, certain laminated structures are possible that would provide a resealing of one or more layers of the patch, after an opening access to the cap and discharge tube.

The supplemental cap structure serves to retain and seal the product after removal of the patch. The cap and discharge tube are recessed within the confines of the container body, and therefore do not create any special shipping or storage considerations for the dispenser.

The present disclosure shows and describes one or more exemplary embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art from the foregoing that various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the contemplated invention, with the scope of the invention being defined by the foregoing claims. Further, the terms herein are used in a generic and descriptive sense and are not necessarily for purposes of limitation. The scope of the invention is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A dispenser for a flowable product comprising: a container body defining a storage chamber for retaining product, the container body having a side wall,a top wall having a defined surface and a recess formed in the defined surface,a bottom wall, andan opening provided in the recess;a discharge tube secured within the opening, the discharge tube having an inlet positioned within the storage chamber and an outlet positioned within the recess of the top wall, the discharge tube formed for receiving and discharging a defined dose of product from the storage chamber;a sealing cap releasably secured to the outlet of the discharge tube and closing the tube, the sealing cap positioned within the recess in the closed position; anda patch releasably secured to the top wall and covering the recess, the patch conforming to the defined surface of the top wall, the patch sealing the recess and the cap and discharge tube outlet,wherein the patch may be removed from the sealing position to expose the cap, wherein removal of the cap from the discharge tube exposes the outlet, and wherein rotation of the container body from an upright position to the second position causes movement of the product from the chamber, into the inlet, through the tube and out of the outlet.

2. The dispenser as in claim 1 wherein the cap is frictionally secured to the outlet of the discharge tube.

3. The dispenser as in claim 1, wherein the sealing cap is tethered to the discharge tube.

4. The dispenser as in claim 1, wherein the sealing cap is integrally formed with the discharge tube.

5. The dispenser as in claim 1 wherein the discharge tube includes an outwardly projecting flange positioned adjacent the outlet, the flange stabilizing the discharge tube in the opening.

6. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side wall is formed as an open ended cylinder, with the top wall attached to the one end of the cylinder and the bottom wall attached to an opposite end of the cylinder.

7. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the discharge tube is slidingly retained within the opening in the top wall.

8. The dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein the patch is adhesively secured to the defined surface of the top wall.

9. The dispenser as in claim 8 wherein the patch is formed from a flexible web and forming a sealing barrier.

10. A dispenser for flowable product comprising: a container body defining a storage chamber, the body having at least one wall with a recess formed therein;a discharge tube having an inlet communicating with the storage chamber and an outlet positioned within the recess in the wall of the container;a sealing cap formed to be releasably secured to the outlet to close the discharge tube, the cap in the closed position located within the recess; anda removable patch secured to the wall and covering the recess, the discharge tube outlet and the sealing cap,wherein removal of the patch from the wall exposes the cap within the recess and release of the cap from the closed position exposes the outlet of the discharge tube, andwherein the dispenser is selectively rotated for discharge of the product through the outlet.

11. The dispenser as in claim 10 wherein the container body further comprises a side wall and a bottom wall and wherein the wall forms the top of the body, the top wall secured to the side wall at one end thereof and the bottom wall secured to the side wall at an opposite end.

12. The dispenser as in claim 11, wherein the side wall is formed as an open ended cylinder, with the top wall attached to the one end of the cylinder and the bottom wall attached to an opposite end of the cylinder.

13. The dispenser as in claim 10 further comprising an opening provided in the recess, the discharge tube is frictionally secured within the opening.

14. The dispenser as in claim 13 wherein the discharge tube includes an outwardly projecting flange positioned adjacent the outlet, the flange securing the discharge tube in the opening.

15. The dispenser as in claim 10, wherein the discharge tube is slidingly retained within the opening.

16. The dispenser as in claim 10, wherein the sealing cap is tethered to the discharge tube.

17. The dispenser as in claim 16, wherein the sealing cap is integrally formed with the discharge tube.

18. The dispenser as in claim 10, wherein the patch is adhesively secured to the defined surface of the top wall.

19. The dispenser as in claim 18 wherein the patch is a flexible web.

20. The dispenser as in claim 19 wherein the flexible web is formed by a barrier film, a barrier paper or a barrier foil.