Title of Invention

"A PUMP-ACTION DISPENSER NOZZLE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOF"

Abstract This invention relates to pump-action dispenser nozzle and methods of making the same. The dispenser nozzles of the invention comprises a body which defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle. The inlet comprises an inlet valve and the outlet comprises an outlet valve. The body of the dispenser nozzle is made entirely from a rigid or a flexible material. In preferred embodiments it is made from a single material and comprises a single component part. Fluid is dispensed from the dispenser nozzles by resiliently deforming or displacing a portion of the body of the device that defines the chamber, thereby compressing the chamber and actuating the dispensing of fluid. The dispenser nozzle may be adapted to be fitted to a container or integrally formed there with.
Full Text The present invention relates to a pump action dispenser nozzle and method of manufacturing thereof.
Pump action dispenser nozzles are commonly used to provide a means by which fluids, particularly viscous fluids such as soaps, shampoos, creams etc., can be dispensed from a non-pressurised container or other fluid source in response to the operation of the nozzle device by an operator.
Conventional pump-action nozzle devices are adapted to be fitted to an outlet opening of a container and comprise an internal chamber which is compressed when an actuator of the nozzle device is operated. The compression of the internal chamber results in an increase in pressure which forces liquid present in the chamber to be dispensed through the outlet of the device. Once the desired volume of liquid has been dispensed, or the chamber has been compressed to its fullest extent, the actuator is then released by the operator and the chamber is allowed to re-expand. The re-expansion of the chamber causes the internal pressure within the chamber to reduce, which in turn causes more liquid to be drawn into the chamber from the associated container through an inlet. One-way valves are provided at the inlet and the outlet to ensure that fluid can only be expelled from the internal chamber through the outlet and drawn into the chamber through the inlet.
The actuator is typically a portion of the body of the nozzle device that can be depressed and subsequently released by an operator (generally known as pump nozzle devices), or a trigger that an operator can pull and then subsequently release (generally known as trigger-actuated nozzle devices), to cause the chamber to be compressed and then re-expanded respectively.


There are a number of drawbacks associated with conventional pumpaction
nozzle devices. Firstly, many of the conventional devices tend to be
extremely complex in design and typically comprise numerous different
component parts (usually between 8 and 10 individual components in pump
nozzle devices and between 10 and 14 individual components in triggeractuated
nozzle devices). As a consequence, these devices can be costly to
manufacture due to the amount of material required to form the individual
components and the assembly processes involved. Secondly, many of the
conventional devices tend to be bulky (which again increases the raw material
costs) and a proportion of this bulk is invariably disposed inside the container
to which the device is attached. This creates a drawback in that the nozzle
device takes up a proportion of the internal volume of the container, which can
be a particular problem in small containers where the available space inside the
container is limited. Finally, the size of the pump-action device is also dictated
to certain extent by the size of the container to which it is attached. Thus, the
size of the device is usually restricted in small containers, and especially small
containers with narrow necks, and this limits the amount of pressure that can be
generated by the device as well as the volume of fluid that can be dispensed,
and, for this reason, can be detrimental to the performance of the device.
Therefore, there is a desire for a pump-action nozzle device which is:
(i) simpler in design;
(ii) utilises less components; and
(iii) is easy to operate and functions effectively.
Examples of dispenser nozzles of simpler construction are disclosed in
EP 0 442 858 A2, EP 0 649 684 and US 3,820,689. The dispenser nozzles
disclosed in these publications are essentially formed from two separate
component parts that are fitted together to define an internal chamber having an
inlet equipped with an inlet valve and an outlet equipped with an outlet valve.
One of the parts is a base formed from a rigid material, whereas the other part is
a resiliently defonnable portion that is fitted to the upper surface of the base
and, together with the base, defines the internal chamber, as well as forming the
inlet and outlet valve members. The resiliently defonnable portion provides a
means by which the internal chamber can be compressed to dispense fluid
present therein.
Although the provision of a resiliently defonnable upper part fixed to a
rigid base provides some advantages, such as the provision of a soft touch feel
and the ease with which it can be deformed to facilitate the compression of the
chamber, there are some disadvantages, namely:
(i) it is difficult to hold the two parts firmly together due to the
different properties of the two materials;
(ii) the pump-action differs substantially from conventional pump
dispensers available on the market (in particular, the pump
action is not the usual on/off action associated with a
conventional pump dispensers); and
(iii) the two parts need to be assembled together to form the
assembled dispenser nozzle.
The present invention provides a solution to at least some of the
problems associated with known dispenser nozzles by providing, in a first
aspect, a pump-action dispenser nozzle adapted to enable fluid stored in a fluid
source to be dispensed through said nozzle during use, said nozzle having a
body which defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid
may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in
the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet
valve adapted to only permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet
when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the fluid
source by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an
outlet valve configured to only permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be
expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external
pressure at the outlet by at least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein at
least a portion of the body which defines said chamber is configured to:
(i) resiliently deform from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a
distended or deformed configuration in response to the application of a
pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said portion of the
body is reduced as said portion of the body is deformed from said initial
configuration to said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in
volume causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve; and
(ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased configuration
when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing the volume of the
chamber to increase and the pressure therein to fall such that fluid is drawn into
the chamber through the inlet valve;
characterised in that the body of the device is formed entirely from a
rigid material, a flexible material or as a bi-injection moulding.
By "bi-injection moulding" we mean that the body of the nozzle device
is formed from two parts, a first of said parts being moulded in an initial
moulding step together with a framework or base for a second of said parts
from a first material, and a second material, which may be the same or different
to said first material is moulded onto said base to complete the body of the
device. Bi-injection mouldings are well known in the art.
The term "fluid" is used herein to refer to any material capable of flow.
Therefore, although the fluids pumped through the dispenser nozzle during use
will usually be various liquids, in some cases the fluid may be a gas or a
mixture of gasses, such as air. As an example, a small pump may be formed in
the side of a food packaging or a bag to provide a means by which air can be
pumped out.
The dispenser nozzle devices of the present invention solve the
aforementioned problems associated with many conventional pump-action
dispenser nozzles by providing a device which is extremely simple in design
and which will typically comprise no more than six separate component parts
that are fitted together to form the assembled nozzle device. In preferred
embodiments the device will comprise no more than three component parts or,
more preferably, two separate component parts or, even more preferably, the
device is formed from a single, integrally formed component. By "separate
component parts" we mean that the parts are not linked in. any way, i.e. they are
not integrally formed with one another (but each separate component part may
comprise one or more integral parts or portions).
In the dispenser nozzle of the present invention, the key to reducing the
number of components lies in the discovery that all the necessary components
can be integrally formed within the body of the device, even when it is prepared
entirely from a rigid or a flexible material. For instance, the chamber, inlet,
inlet valve, outlet, and outlet valve can all be defined by the body, thereby
reducing the need to include separate components with all the consequential
increases in component and assembly costs.
The rigid and flexible material may be any suitable material from which
the dispenser nozzle may be formed. For instance, it may be formed from
metallic material such as aluntioium foil or a flexible material such as rubber.
Preferably, however, the body of the device is formed entirely from a rigid
plastic material or a flexible plastic material.
The pump-action dispenser nozzle is preferably formed from a single
rigid or flexible plastic material.
The expression "rigid plastic material" is used herein to refer to a plastic
material that possesses a high degree of rigidity and strength once moulded into
the desire deformable in portions by reducing the thickness of the plastic. Thus, a thinned
section of plastic can be provided to form the at least a portion of the body that
defines the chamber and which is configured to resiliency deform.
The term "flexible plastic" is used herein to denote plastics materials
which are inherently flexible/resiliently deformable so as to enable the resilient
displacement of at least a portion of the body to facilitate the compression of
the chamber. The extent of the flexibility of the plastic may be dependent on
the thickness of the plastic in any given area or region. Such "flexible plastic"
materials are used, for example, in the preparation of shampoo bottles or
shower gel containers. In. the fabrication of a dispenser nozzle of the present
invention, portions of the body may be formed from thicker sections of plastic
to provide the required rigidity to the structure, whereas other portions may be
composed of thinner sections of plastic to provide the necessary deformability
characteristics. If necessary, a framework of thicker sections, generally known
as support ribs, may be present if extra rigidity is required in certain areas.
The advantage of using a single material is that the entire dispenser
nozzle can be moulded in a single tool and in a single moulding operation, as
discussed further below.
Preferably the fluid source is a container to which the dispenser nozzle
of the invention is either attached or integrally formed with.
The outlet of the dispenser nozzle may be of any suitable form.
Preferably, however, the outlet comprises an outlet passageway that extends
from the chamber to an outlet orifice of the device.
The body of the dispenser nozzle
It is preferred that body of the pump-action dispenser nozzle comprises
two or more interconnected parts, which, when connected together define the
chamber. It is especially preferred that the chamber of the dispenser nozzle is
defined between two interconnected parts.
It is also preferred that the at least two interconnected parts that define
the chamber also between them define at least a portion of the outlet of the
dispenser nozzle, or a passageway leading to the outlet from the chamber.
It is most preferred that the two parts of the body of the dispenser nozzle
that define the chamber are a base part and an upper part. The base part is
preferably adapted to be fitted to the opening of a container by a suitable
means. For example, it may be in the form of a screw-threaded cap that can be
screwed onto a neck opening of a container. Furthermore, in addition to
forming a portion of the body that defines the chamber, the base part also
preferably defines the inlet as well as a portion of the passageway leading from
the chamber to the outlet.
The upper part is adapted to be fitted to the base so that between them
they define the chamber and, in preferred embodiments, an outlet passageway
and/or outlet orifice of the dispenser. In certain preferred embodiments of the
invention, the base and upper part also define the outlet orifice. It is also
preferred mat the upper part forms the resiliently deformable portion of the
body defining the chamber.
The portion of the body configured to resiliently deform could be a
relatively thin section of a rigid plastic material which elastically deforms to
compress the chamber when a pressure is applied and then subsequently returns
to its initial resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure is
removed. Alternatively, the portion of the body configured to resiliently
deform may comprise a substantially rigid portion surrounded by a deformable
portion such that pressure applied to the rigid portion causes the surrounding
resiliency deformable portion of deform and thereby enables the rigid portion
to be displaced to compress the chamber. For example, the surrounding
resiliently deformable portion could resemble a bellows, i.e. a rigid portion is
surrounded by a deformable side wall that comprises a number of folded
segments of rigid plastic which is configured such that applying a pressure to
the rigid portion causes the folds of the sidewall to resiliently compress together
to reduce the volume of the chamber. Once the applied pressure is removed,
the side walls return to their original configuration.
It is especially preferred that the at least two parts of the body are made
from the same material and connected to one another by means of hinge or a
foldable connection element This enables the two parts to be moulded together
in a single moulding operation and then swung into contact with one another to
form the assembled dispenser nozzle (e.g. the upper part can be swung into
contact with the base).
The two parts of the body may be permanently fixed together by, for
example, ultrasonically welding or heat welding. If the base and upper part are
to be moulded or welded together, then it is preferable that they are made from
compatible materials. As previously indicated above, however, it is preferable
that the body is formed from a single material.
Alternatively, the two parts may be configured to fit tightly/resistively to
one another to form the nozzle (e.g. by the provision of a snap-fit connection)
in the absence of any welding. For instance, the edges of one part may be
configured to fit into a retaining groove of the other part to form the dispenser
nozzle.
As a further alternative, a compatible plastic material may be moulded
over the join of the two parts to secure them together. This can be achieved by
moulding the two components simultaneously in a tool, joining them together in
the tool to form the dispenser nozzle device and then moulding a suitable
plastic material around them to hold the two parts together.
In certain embodiments, the two parts may remain releasably attached to
one another so that they can be separated during use to enable the chamber
and/or the outlet to be cleaned.
For most applications the dispenser would need to be made from a rigid
material to provide the necessary strength and enable the two-parts to be either
snap fitted or welded together. In such cases, the deformable portion of the
body tends to deform only when a certain minimum threshold pressure is
applied and this makes the pump action more like the on/off action associated
conventional pump-action dispenser nozzles. However, in certain applications,
a flexible material may be preferred. Examples of such applications include
embodiments where the dispenser nozzle is integrally formed with the
associated container, which may, for example, be in the form of a sachet, or
where the fluid supply is stored in the device rather than a separate container.
The Outlet Valve
In order to function optimally, it is necessary that the outlet of the
chamber is provided with, or is adapted to function as, a one-way valve. The
one-way valve enables product stored in the chamber to be dispensed through
the outlet only when a predetermined nikirnum threshold pressure is achieved
within the chamber (as a consequence of the reduction in the volume of the
internal chamber caused by the displacement of the resiliency deformable wall
from its initial resilientiy biased configuration), and closes the outlet at all other
times to form an airtight seal. The closure of the valve when the pressure in the
chamber is below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure prevents air
being sucked back through the outlet into the chamber when the applied
pressure to the resilientiy deformable portion of the body is released and the
volume of the chamber increases as the resiliently defonnable wall re-assumes
its initial resiliently biased configuration.
Any suitable one-way valve assembly that is capable of forming an
airtight seal may be provided in the outlet. It is preferable that the valve is
formed by the component parts of the body of the dispenser nozzle.
In preferred embodiments of the invention where the outlet comprises an
outlet passageway extending from the chamber to an outlet orifice, it is
preferred that the outlet passageway, or at least a portion thereof, and/or the
outlet orifice is defined between the base and upper part of the dispenser
nozzle. Most preferably, the passageway is defined between two abutting
surfaces of the base and the upper part, and at least a portion of one of the
abutment surfaces is resiliently biased against the opposing surface so as to
form the one-way outlet valve in the passageway or at the outlet orifice. In this
regard, the resiliently biased surfaces form a closure within the outlet
passageway and/or outlet orifice that will only open and permit fluid to be
dispensed from the chamber when the pressure within the chamber is sufficient
to cause the resiliently biased abutment surface to deform away from the
opposing abutment surface and thereby form an open channel through which
fluid from the chamber can flow. Once the pressure falls below a
predetermined mininium threshold value, the resiliently biased surface will
return to its resiliently biased configuration and close off the passageway.
It is especially preferred that the at least a portion of the resiliently
defonnable abutment surface adapted to deform away from the opposing
surface to open the outlet valve is integrally formed with the resiliently
defonnable portion of the body, which defines the chamber.
In embodiments where the flexible and resiliently defonnable part of the
outlet passageway/valve is made from a thin section of a rigid plastic material,
the resistance may not be sufficient to provide the required minimum pressure
threshold. In such cases, a thickened rib of plastic, which extends across the
passageway, may be formed to provide the necessary strength and resistance in
the outlet passageway/valve. Alternatively, a rigid reinforcing rib could be
provided above part of the outlet passageway/valve.
In an alternative preferred embodiment, the outlet valve is formed by a
resiliency deformable member which extends across the outlet channel to
effectively close off and seal the passageway. The member is mounted to the
device along one of its edges and has another of its edges (preferably the
opposing edge) free, the free end being configured to displace when the
pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined rninimum threshold
value. The free end abuts a surface of the outlet channel to form a seal
therewith when the pressure is below the predetermined minimum threshold
value. However, when the pressure exceeds the predetermined minimum
threshold value, the free end of the member is displaced from the abutment
surface of the channel to form an opening through which the fluid present in the
chamber can flow to the outlet. Preferably, the resiliency deformable member
is positioned within a chamber formed along the length of the outlet channel or
passageway. Most preferably, the abutment surface, which forms the seal with
the free end of the member at pressures below the minimum threshold, is
tapered or sloped at the point of contact with the free end of the member. This
provides a point seal contact and provides a much more efficient seal. It will of
course be appreciated that the slope or taper of the abutment surface must be
arranged so that the free end of the resiliently deformable member contacts the
slope when the pressure within the chamber is below the predetermined
minimum threshold, but distends away from it when the predetermined
minimum threshold is exceeded.
Alternatively, the valve may be a post or plug formed on the abutment
surface of one of the base or upper parts and which contacts the opposing
abutment surface to close off and seal the passageway. The post or plug will be
mounted to a defonnable area of the base or upper part so that when the
pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the post
or plug can be deformed to define an opening through which fluid can flow
through the outlet. The pressure required to displace the post or plug could be
set at any desired level (effectively forming a pre-compression valve that
ensures that fluid is only ejected with the desired pressure).
, In yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispenser
nozzle is configured so that the fluid is dispensed substantially horizontally or,
more preferably, so that the fluid may be dispensed in a downward direction. In
the latter case, the outlet orifice is preferably a downward facing opening
defined by the base with an outlet passageway leading thereto from the chamber
being defined by the upper surface of the base and the opposing under surface
of the upper part. In addition to defining the outlet orifice, the base may also
define a downwardly extending portion of the passageway. It is also preferable
that the downward facing orifice or a downward extending portion of the
passageway leading to a downward facing orifice is formed with a minimal
internal volume (i.e. the passageway is of minimal length so that the volume is
as small as possible, or the plug could fill the entire orifice volume to displace
any fluid that may remain in this area). This provides a benefit in that outlet
orifice is formed vertically and no side action on the tool is required to form it.
For example, a forward sloping hole could be achieved by sloping the rear wall
of the orifice forwards and keeping the front wall vertical. This arrangement
would come off a tool with no side action. In addition, the minimised volume
reduces problems of fluid retained in the passageway from dribbling out of the
outlet after use and will minimise blockages caused by the presence of dried
fluid. In such embodiments, the outlet valve is preferably formed by a plug
formed on the under surface of the upper part which extends into the
downwardly extending passage and/or outlet orifice defined by the base. The
plug mounted to a resiliently defonnable area and is configured to be displaced
from the downwardly extending passage and/or outlet orifice when the within
the chamber exceeds the predetermined threshold value and then subsequently
return to its resiliently biased configuration to close the outlet and prevent air
being drawn into the chamber through the outlet.
The predetermined minimum pressure that is required will depend on the
application concerned and a person skilled in the art will appreciate how to
modify the properties of the resilientiy deformable surface by the selection of
an appropriate resiliently deformable material and varying the manner in which
the surface is fabricated (e.g. by the inclusion of strengthening ridges).
The Inlet valve
To ensure that fluid is only ejected through outlet when the chamber is
compressed by displacing the resilientiy deformable portion of the body into the
chamber from its initial resiliently biased configuration, it is necessary to
provide a one-way inlet valve disposed at or in the inlet of the nozzle device.
Any suitable inlet valve may be used.
The inlet valve may be adapted to only open and permit fluid to flow
into the chamber when the pressure within the chamber falls below a
predetermined minimum threshold pressure (as is the case when the pressure
applied to the resiliently deformable portion of the chamber to compress the
chamber is released and the volume of the chamber increases as the resiliently
deformable portion reassumes it's initial resiliently biased configuration). In
such cases, the inlet valve may be a flap valve which consists of a resiliently
deformable flap positioned over the inlet opening. The flap is preferably
resiliently biased against the inlet opening and adapted to deform so as to allow
fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within
the chamber falls below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure. At all
other times, however, the inlet will be closed, thereby preventing fluid flowing
back from the chamber into the inlet. It is especially preferred that the
resiliency deformable flap is formed as an integral extension of the resiliently
deformable portion of the body which defines the chamber. It is also especially
preferred that the base defines the inlet and the resiliently deformable portion of
the body is formed by the upper part. It is therefore the preferred that the upper
part comprises the resiliently deformable flap that extends within said chamber
to cover the inlet opening to the chamber and form the inlet valve.
Alternatively, the flap may not be resilientiy biased against the inlet
opening and may instead be disposed over the inlet opening and configured
such that it is pressed against the inlet only when the chamber is compressed
and the pressure therein increases.
Problems can arise, however, with the simple provision of a flap valve
that is resiliently biased over the inlet opening. Specifically, over time the
elastic limit of the material from which the flap is formed may be exceeded,
which may cause it to not function properly. This problem applies particularly
to embodiments of the invention in which the flap is formed from a thin section
of a rigid material, although it also applies to a lesser extent to flexible
materials and can occur due to deformation of the flap when the chamber is
compressed, as well as when the flap deforms to open the valve. As a
consequence, fluid could leak from the chamber back into the container through
the inlet.
For these reasons it is preferable that flap valve comprises a number of
adaptations. In particular, it is preferred that the inlet has a raised lip extending
around the inlet orifice that the resiliently deformable flap abuts to create a tight
seal around the inlet. The provision of a lip ensures a good contact is obtained
with the flap. In embodiments where the lip is very small it may be necessary
to provide one or more additional support ribs at either side of the inlet opening
to ensure that a proper seal is formed and to also prevent the lip from damage.
A further preferred feature is that the flap possesses a protrusion or plug
formed on its surface. The-protrusion or plug extends a short way into the inlet
opening and abuts the side edges to further enhance the seal formed.
It is also preferred that the inlet opening to the chamber is disposed at an
elevated position within the chamber so that fluid flows into the chamber
through the inlet and drops down into a holding or reservoir area. This prevents
fluid resting on the top of the inlet valve over prolonged periods by effectively
distancing the inlet opening from the main fluid holding/reservoir area of the
chamber and thereby reduces the likelihood of any leaks occurring over time.
It is also preferred that a second reinforcing flap or member contacts the
opposing surface of the resiliency deformable flap to urge it into tight abutment
with the inlet opening. It is also preferred that the second reinforcing flap
contact the opposing surface of the resiliently deformable flap at or close to the
portion of the opposing surface that covers the inlet orifice to maximise the
vertical pressure of the main flap over the hole. Again this helps to maintain
the integrity of the seal.
Locking means
The nozzle device may also be provided with a locking means to prevent
the fluid being dispensed accidentally.
Preferably the lock is integrally formed with the body. For instance, the
locking means may be hinged bar or member that is integrally connected to a
part of the body (e.g. either the base or upper part) and which can be swung into
a position whereby the actuator cannot be depressed by an operator (e.g. the
actuator engages the bar or member to prevent it being depressed by an operator
to resiliently deform the portion of the body defining the chamber).
The locking means may also comprise a rigid cover that can be placed
over the resilientiy deformable portion of the body to prevent it being
compressed. The cover may be connected to the dispenser nozzle by a hinge to
enable it to be folded over when required. Alternatively, the rigid cover may be
a slidable over cap that can be slid downwards to compress the chamber during
use. The cover can be twisted to lock it and thereby prevent the accidental
actuation of the device.
Alternatively, the locking means may be in the form of a plug which is
formed on one of the component parts of the body (e.g. upper part or the base)
and which can be pushed into a tight, resistive engagement with a formation
formed on the opposing component part and thereby form a blockage of the
outlet which can only be removed by an operator removing the plug prior to
use. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the plug is formed on the upper
part of the body and is configured to selectively engage within, and block, the
outlet orifice formed in the base. Thus, an operator can push the plug into the
outlet orifice to lock the outlet and can pull the plug out of engagement with the
outlet orifice prior to use, as described further below in reference to the
accompanying drawings.
Air Release/leak Valve
The device may further comprise an air leak through which air can flow
to equalise any pressure differential between the interior of the container and
the external environment. In some cases, the air leak may simply occur through
gaps in the fitting between the dispenser nozzle and the container, but this is not
preferred because leakage may occur if the container is inverted or shaken. In
preferred embodiments, the dispenser nozzle further comprises an air leak
valve, i.e. a one-way valve that is adapted to permit air to flow into the
container, but prevents any fluid leaking out of the container if it is inverted.
Any suitable one-way valve system would suffice. It is preferred, however, that
the air leak valve is integrally formed within the body of the dispenser or, more
preferably, between two component parts of the body of the dispenser.
Most preferably, the air leak valve is formed between the upper part and
base which define the chamber of the dispenser nozzle.
Preferably, the air leak valve comprises a valve member disposed within
a channel that is defined by the body of the device and connects the interior of
the fluid supply to the external environment. Most preferably, the valve
member is resiliently biased so as to contact the sides of the channel and forms
a sealing engagement therewith to prevent any liquid from leaking out of the
container, the valve member being further adapted to either resiliently deform
or displace from the sealing engagement with the sides of the channel to define
an opening through which air can flow into the container when pressure within
the container falls below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold
amount. Once the pressure differential between the ulterior and the exterior of
the container has been reduced to below the minimum threshold pressure3 the
valve member returns to it position in which the channel is closed.
Preferably, the valve member is in the form of a plunger that extends
into the channel and comprises an outwardly extending wall that abuts the sides
of the channel to form a seal. Preferably, the outwardly extending wall is
additionally angled towards the interior of the container. This configuration
means that a high pressure within the container and exerted on the wall of the
valve member will cause the wall to remain in abutment with the sides of the
channel. Thus, the integrity of the seal is maintained thereby preventing liquid
from leaking out through the valve. Conversely, when pressure within the
container falls below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold
amount, the wall is deflected away from the sides of the container to permit air
to flow into the container to equalise or reduce the pressure differential.
It is especially preferred that the plunger is mounted on to a deformable
base or flap which is capable of some movement when the dome is pressed to
displace any residue that may have accumulated in the air leak valve. In
addition, the provision of a moveable (e.g. resiliency defonnable) element
within the air leak valve is preferred because it helps to prevent the valve
becoming clogged during use.
In certain embodiments of the invention it is also preferred that a
protective cover is provided over the opening of the female tube on the internal
surface of the device to prevent liquid present in the interior of the container
from contacting the valve member with a high or excessive force when the
container is inverted or shaken aggressively. The cover will allow air and some
fluid to flow past, but will prevent fluid impacting on the seal formed by the
flared end of the plunger directly, and thus will prevent the seal being exposed
to excessive forces.
In an alternative embodiment, the channel of the air leak valve may be
resiliency defonnable instead of the male part. This arrangement can be
configured so that the side walls of the channel distort to permit air to flow into
the container.
The valve member and channel could be made from the same material or
different materials. For instance, they may both be made from a semi-flexible
plastic or the female element may be made from a rigid plastic and the male
part made from a resiliency deformable material.
With certain products stored in containers over time there is a problem
associated with gas building up inside the bottle over time. To release the build
up of pressure, which can inevitably occur, a release valve is required. The air
leak valve described above can be modified to additionally perform this
function by providing one or more fine grooves in the side of the channel.
These fine groove(s) will permit gas to slowly seep out of the container, bypassing
the seal formed by the contact of the valve member with the sides of the
channel, but prevent or minimise the volume of liquid that may seep out.
Preferably, the groove or grooves formed in the side walls of the channel is/are
formed on the external side of the point of contact between the valve member
and the sides of the channel so that it/they are only exposed when the pressure
inside the container increases and acts on the plunger to cause it to deform
outwards (relative to the container). The plunger will return to its resiliency
biased position in which the grooves are not exposed once any excess gas has
been emitted. No liquid product should be lost during this process.
Alternatively, the gas pressure within the container could urge the valve
member outwards so that it is displaced from the channel and defines an
opening through which the gas could flow.
Seal
In preferred embodiments of the invention comprising at least two
component parts, it is preferred that a seal is disposed at the join between the at
least two interconnected parts to prevent any fluid leaking out of the dispenser
nozzle. Any suitable seal would suffice. For instance, the two parts could be
welded to one another or one part could be configured to snap fit into a sealing
engagement with the other part or have possess a flange around its perimeter
that fits tightly around the upper surface of the other part to form a seal
therewith.
Preferably, the seal comprises a male protrusion formed on the abutment
surface of one of the at least two parts that is received in a sealing engagement
with a corresponding groove formed on the opposing abutment surface of the
other part when the two parts are connected together.
The seal preferably extends around the entire chamber and also the outlet
so that fluid leaking from any position in the dispenser is prevented from
seeping between the join between the two component parts.
In certain embodiments that comprise an outlet passageway the
. protrusion member may extend across the passageway and form the resiliency
deformable valve member of the outlet valve. This portion of the protrusion
will usually be thinner to provide the necessary resilience in the valve member
to permit it to perform its function.
In certain embodiments of the invention, the male protrusion may be
configured to snap fit into the groove or, alternatively, the male protrusion may
be configured to resistively fit into the groove in a similar manner to the way in
which a plug fits into the hole of a sink.
Dip Tube
In most cases, a dip tube may be integrally formed with the dispenser, or
alternatively the body of the dispenser may comprise a recess into which a
separate dip tube can be fitted. The dip tube enables fluid to be drawn from
deep inside the container during use and thus, will be present in virtually all
cases.
Alternatively, it may be desirable with some containers, particularly
small volume containers, such as glues, perfume bottles and nasal sprays, to
omit the dip tube, because the device itself could extend into the container to
draw the product into the dispenser nozzle during use, or the container could be
inverted to facilitate the priming of the dispenser with fluid. Alternatively, the
device may further comprise a fluid compartment formed as an integral part of
device from which fluid can be drawn directly into the inlet of the nozzle
without the need for a dip tube.
Internal chamber
The chamber of the nozzle device may be of any form and it shall of
course be appreciated that the dimensions and shape of the dome will be
selected to suit the particular device and application concerned. Similarly, all
the fluid in the chamber may be expelled when the dome is compressed or,
alternatively, only a proportion of the fluid present in the chamber may be
dispensed, again depending on the application concerned.
In certain preferred embodiments of the invention, the chamber is
defined by a generally dome-shaped resiliency deformable region of the body.
Preferably, the dome-shaped region is formed on the upper surface of the body
so that it is accessible for pressing by an operator. One problem with domeshaped
chambers can be that a certain amount of dead space exists within the
chamber when it is compressed by an operator, and for some applications it will
be preferable that the dead space is minimised or virtually negligible. To
achieve this property, it has been found that flattened domes or other shaped
chambers whereby the resiliency deformable wall of chamber can be depressed
such that it contacts an opposing wall of the chamber and thereby expels all of
the contents present therein are generally preferred. For this reason, a flattened
dome is especially preferred because it reduces the extent with which the dome
needs to be pressed inwards in order to compress the chamber and actuate the
dispensing of fluid stored therein. It also reduces the number of presses
required to prime the chamber ready for the first use.
In some cases, the resiliency deformable portion of the body may not be
sufficiently resilient to retain its original resiliently biased configuration
following deformation. This may be the case where the fluid has a high
viscosity and hence tends to resist being drawn into the chamber through the
inlet. In such cases, extra resilience can be provided by the positioning of one
or more resiliency deformable posts within the chamber, which bend when the
r.
chamber is compressed and urge the deformed portion of the body back to its
original resiliency biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed.
Alternatively, one or more thickened ribs of plastic could extend from the edge
of the resiliently deformable area towards the middle of this portion. These ribs
will increase the resilience of the resiliency deformable area by effectively
functioning as a leaf spring which compresses when a pressure is applied to the
resiliency deformable portion of the body, and urges this portion back to its
initial resiliency biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed.
Yet another alternative is that a spring or another form of resilient means
is disposed in the chamber. As above, the spring will compress when the wall
is deformed and, when the applied pressure is removed, will urge the deformed
portion of the body to return to its original resiliency biased configuration and,
in doing so, urges the compressed chamber back into its original "noncompressed
configuration".
Two or more chambers
The nozzle device of the invention may comprise two or more separate
internal chambers.
Each individual chamber may draw fluid into the nozzle device through
a separate inlet from different fluid sources, e.g. separate fluid-filled
compartments within the same container.
Alternatively, one or more of the additional chambers may not comprise
an inlet. Instead a reservoir of the second fluid may be stored in the chamber
itself and the additional chamber or its outlet may be configured to only permit
a predetermined amount of the second fluid to be dispensed with each
actuation.
As a further alternative, one or more chambers of the additional
chambers may draw air in from outside the nozzle device. Whether the
additional chamber or chambers contain air or some other fluid drawn from a
separate compartment within the container, the contents of the two or more
chambers can be ejected simultaneously through the outlet by simultaneously
compressing both chambers together. The contents of the respective chambers
will then be mixed within the outlet, either on, after or prior to, ejection from
the nozzle device. It shall be appreciated that varying the relative volumes of
the separate chambers and/or the dimensions of the outlet can be used to
influence the relative proportions of constituents present in the final mixture
expelled through the outlet. Furthermore, the outlet passageway may be
divided into two or more separate channels, each channel extending from a
separate chamber, and each separate channel may feed fluid into a spray nozzle
passageway as discussed above where it is mixed prior to ejection.
Where an additional chamber for the expulsion of air is present, it shall
be appreciated that, once the expulsion of air is complete and the applied
pressure is removed thereby allowing the chamber to deform back to its original
expanded configuration, more air needs to be drawn into the chamber to
replenish that expelled. This can be achieved by either sucking air back in
through the outlet (i.e. not providing this additional chamber with an airtight
outlet valve) or, more preferably, drawing air in though an inlet hole in the body
defining the chamber. In the latter case, the inlet hole is preferably provided
with a one-way valve similar to the inlet valve discussed above. This valve will
only permit air to be drawn into the chamber and will prevent air being expelled
back through the hole when the chamber is compressed.
In most cases, it is desirable to co-eject the air. and fluid from the
container at approximately the same pressure. This will require the air chamber
to be compressed more (e.g. 3-200 times more - depending on the application
concerned) than the fluid/liquid-containing chamber. This may be achieved by
positioning the chambers so that, when a pressure is applied, the compression
of the air-containing chamber occurs preferentially, thereby enabling the air and
liquid to be ejected at the same or substantially the same pressure. For
example, the air-containing chamber may be positioned behind the liquidcontaining
chamber so that, when a pressure is applied, the air chamber is
compressed first until a stage is reached when both chambers are compressed
together.
As an alternative, the nozzle device may also be adapted in such a way
that the air pressure may be higher or lower than the liquid pressure, which may
be beneficial for certain applications.
The chambers may be arranged side by side or one chamber may be on
top of another. In a preferred embodiment where one of the additional
chambers contains air, the additional air chamber is positioned relative to the
chamber of the nozzle device so that the compression of the air chamber causes
the resiliency deformable portion of the body to deform and compress the
chamber of the nozzle device.
Preferably, the fluid present in each chamber are ejected simultaneously.
However, it shall be appreciated that one chamber may eject its fluid before or
after another chamber in certain applications.
In alternative embodiments, air and fluid from the container may be
present in a single chamber, rather than separate chambers. In such cases, fluid
and air is co-ejected and may be mixed as it flows through the outlet. For
example, where the outlet comprises an expansion chamber, i.e. a widened
chamber positioned in the outlet passageway, the contents ejected from the
chamber could be split into separate branches of the channel and enter the
expansion chamber at different locations to encourage mixing.
Integral part of a container
In most cases it is preferable that the dispenser nozzle is adapted to be
fitted to container by some suitable means, e.g. a snap fit or a screw thread
connection. In certain cases, however, the dispenser could be incorporated into
a container as an integral part. For instance, the dispenser device could be
integrally moulded with various forms of plastic container, such as rigid
containers or bags. This is possible because the device is preferably moulded
as a single material and, therefore, can be integrally moulded with containers
made from the same or a similar compatible material.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as hereinbefore defined
fitted to an opening thereof so as to enable the fluid stored in the container to be
dispensed from the container through said dispenser nozzle during use.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as hereinbefore defined
integrally formed therewith so as to enable the fluid stored in the container to
be dispensed from the container through said dispenser nozzle during use.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
pump-action dispenser nozzle having a body which defines an internal chamber
having an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may be expelled
from the nozzle, said outlet comprising an outlet valve configured to only
permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when
the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at least a
minimum threshold amount, and wherein at least a portion of the body which
defines said chamber is configured to resiliently deform from an initial
resiliently biased configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in
response to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber
defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said portion of the body is
deformed from said initial configuration to said distended or deformed
configuration, said reduction in volume causing the pressure within the
chamber to increase and fluid to be ejected through the outlet valve.
The nozzle arrangements of the fourth aspect of the invention are the
same as those defined above for the first aspect of the invention, except that the
dispenser does not comprise an inlet/ inlet valve through which fluid can be
drawn into the internal chamber. Instead, the entire fluid supply is stored
within the chamber. The device may be a single use dispenser whereby the
entire contents of the chamber are dispensed when the resiliently defonnable
portion of the body is deformed. Alternatively, the portion of the body may
only be partially deformed to eject a proportion of the contents of the chamber
and then deformed further if more fluid is desired to be dispensed.
Another difference is that the body will just deform when a pressure is
applied and will not subsequently return to its initial resiliency biased
configuration due to the absence of the inlet.
The outlet and outlet valve are preferably as defined above in relation to
the first aspect of the present invention.
The body of the device may be made from any suitable material. It may
also be made from two or more interconnected parts, as previously described.
Each part may be made from the same material or a different material.
In some embodiments of the invention, the entire body defining the
chamber may be resiliently deformable. Alternatively, only a portion of the
body may be configured to resiliently deform.
The dispenser may be of any suitable form. For example, the chamber
could resemble a sachet or any similar form of fluid-filled vessel. In such
cases, squeezing the body will cause the pressure therein to increase and fluid
will then be ejected through the outlet.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
pump-action dispenser nozzle adapted to enable fluid stored in a fluid source to
be dispensed through said nozzle during use, said nozzle having a body which
defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn
into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may
be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to only
permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within
the chamber falls below the pressure within tib.e fluid source by at least a
minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve
configured to only permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from
the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet
by at least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein at least a portion of the
body which defines said chamber is configured to:
(i) resiliently deform from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a
distended or deformed configuration in response to the application of a
pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said portion of the
body is reduced as said portion of the body is deformed from said initial
configuration to said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in
volume causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve; and
(ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased configuration when
the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing the volume of the chamber to
increase and the pressure therein to fall such that fluid is drawn into the
chamber through the inlet valve;
characterised hi that the body is composed of two parts that fit together
to define said chamber, a first of said parts being formed entirely from a rigid
material and a second of said parts being formed from a flexible/resiliently
deformable material housed within a rigid material, wherein the rigid portion of
the second part is configured to secure the second part to the base part to form
the assembled dispenser nozzle and is connected to the rigid first part by means
of a hinge or a foldable connection element.
It shall be appreciated that the resiliently deformable material forms the
resiliently deformable portion of the body defining the chamber.
Apart from the materials, the dispenser nozzles are preferably as defined
above.
Preferably, the first part is a base part and the second part is an upper
part, as previously defined above.
Preferably the rigid material is a plastic material and most preferably the
rigid first part and the second part are formed from the same material. It is
especially preferred that the rigid plastic portions of the first part are integrally
formed with one another in a single moulding operation. The resiliency
deformable portion may then be incorporated by a bi-injection moulding
process whereby the resiliency deformable portion is moulded onto or into the
second part in a second step prior to folding the second part over about the
hinge or foldable connection and fitting it to the first part to form the assembled
nozzle. Alternatively, the resiliently deformable material may be an insert
which is positioned within the second part and held in place by securing the
second part to the base.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
pump-action dispenser nozzle adapted to enable fluid stored in a fluid source to
be dispensed through said nozzle during use, said nozzle having a body which
defines an internal chamber having an inlet through which fluid may be drawn
into said chamber and an outlet through which fluid present in the chamber may
be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve adapted to only
permit fluid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within
the chamber falls below the pressure within the fluid source by at least a
minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve
configured to only permit fluid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from
the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet
by at least a minimum threshold amount, and wherein at least a portion of the
body which defines said chamber is configured to:
(i) be displaceable from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a
distended or deformed configuration in response to the application of a
pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said portion of the
body is reduced as said portion of the body is deformed from said initial
configuration to said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in
volume causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and fluid to be
ejected through the outlet valve; and
(ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased configuration
when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing the volume of the
chamber to increase and the pressure therein to fall such that fluid is drawn into
the chamber through the inlet valve;
characterised in that the body of the device is formed entirely from a
rigid material or a flexible material.
Preferably the dispenser nozzle is as defined above.
In addition, it is also preferable, the part of the body that can be
displaced inwards to reduce the volume of the chamber and thereby cause fluid
present in said chamber to be ejected through the outlet is a piston mounted
within a piston channel. The piston channel may form the entire chamber or,
alternatively, just a portion thereof.
Preferably, the dispenser nozzle comprises a means for displacing the
piston inwards from its initial position and then subsequently returning it is
initial position. This may be achieved by any suitable means, such as, for
example, a trigger or over cap connected to the piston which can be operated to
displace the piston, when desired. Preferably, the means for displacing the
piston inwards from its initial position is resiliently biased so that the piston
will be returned to its initial position after use.
Method of manufacture
The nozzle devices of the present invention may be made by any suitable
methodology know in the art.
As previously described, preferred embodiments of the invention
comprise a body having two parts (a base and upper part) which fit together to
define at least the chamber of the device and, more preferably, the chamber and
at least a portion of the outlet.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined, said nozzle
device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and said
method comprising the steps of:
(i) moulding said parts of the body; and
(ii) connecting said parts of the body together to form the body of the
nozzle device.
Each part of the body may be a separate component part, in which case
the component parts are initially formed and then assembled together to form
the nozzle device.
Alternatively, and more preferably, the two parts of the body or one of
the parts of the body and the trigger actuator may be integrally formed with one
another and connected by a bendable/foldable connection element. In such
cases, the connected parts are formed in a single moulding step and then
assembled together with the remaining part to form the nozzle device. For
instance, the base and upper part of the preferred embodiments of the device
may be integrally formed and connected to one another by a foldable/bendable
connection element. Thus, the entire device will be formed in a single
moulding step from a single material. Once formed, the upper part can be
folded over and connected to the base to form the assembled nozzle device.
As an alternative, the nozzle device may be formed by a bi-injection
moulding process whereby a first component part the body is formed and a
second part is then moulded onto the first part. Each part may be moulded from
the same or a different material. As before, the trigger actuator may be a
separate component part that is then fitted to the body of the nozzle device, or it
may be integrally formed with one of the parts of the body.
Once the two parts of the body are connected to one another to form the
assembled body of the device, the two parts may be over moulded with another
plastic to hold the two parts together
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined, said nozzle
device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and said
method comprising the steps of:
(i) moulding a first of said parts of the body in a first processing
step; and
(ii) over-moulding the second of said parts onto the first of said parts
in a second processing step to form the body of the nozzle device.
The at least two parts are preferably moulded within the same moulding
tool in a bi-injection moulding process. Usually the first part will be the base
part of the nozzle device and the second part will be the upper part.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined, said nozzle
device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and said
method comprising the steps of:
(i) moulding a first of said parts of the body in a first processing step
together with a framework or base for a second of said parts; and
(ii) over-moulding onto the framework or base to form the second of
said parts of the assembled nozzle device.
The framework for the second part may be fitted to the base prior to the
over-moulding step.
Alternatively, the over-moulding may take place before the framework
for the second part is fitted to the first part.
The over-moulding may be the same material to that of the first part and
the framework of the second part or it may be a different material.
It is especially preferred that the base is moulded first from a rigid
plastic material together with the framework support for the upper part. The
framework for the upper part is preferably connected to the base by a hinged or
foldable connection member, which enables the framework to be folded over
and fitted to the base during the assembly of the final product. The framework
is over moulded with a compatible flexible, resiliency deformable plastic
material which forms the resiliently deformable portion of the body that defines
the chamber. The resiliently deformable plastic material may also form
resiliently deformable valve members for the outlet valve and the inlet valve. It
may also extend over other parts of the nozzle surface to provide a soft-touch
feel to the device when an operator grips it. The rigid framework of the upper
part may form an outer edge of the upper part, which forms the point of
connection with the base and, in embodiments where a spray nozzle
passageway is present, the framework may also form an upper abutment surface
which contacts a lower abutment surface formed the base to define the spray
passageway and outlet orifice.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined, said nozzle
device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and said
method comprising the steps of:
(i) moulding a first of said parts of the body in a first processing step
together with a framework or base for a second of said parts; and
(ii) positioning an insert portion of the body such that said insert is
retained within the framework of the second part of the body
when said framework is connected to the first parts of the body,
said framework and insert forming the second part of the body.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided
a method of manufacturing a nozzle device as hereinbefore defined, said nozzle
device having a body composed of at least two interconnected parts and
wherein said parts are connected to one another by a connection element such
that said parts are moveable relative to one another, said method comprising the
steps of:
(i) moulding the parts of the body together with said connection
elements in a single moulding step; and
(ii) moving said parts of the body into engagement with one another
to form the body of the nozzle device.
The dispenser nozzles of the present invention may be made by a
number of different moulding techniques.
Blowing Agent
Preferably, a blowing agent is incorporated into the mould together with
the plastic material. The blowing agent produces bubbles of gas within the
moulded plastic that prevent the occurrence of a phenomenon known as sinkage
from occurring. The problem of sinkage and the use of blowing agents in the
manufacture of blowing agents to address this problem is described further in
the applicant's co-pending International Patent Publication No. W003/049916,
the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The pump-action dispenser nozzle of the present invention is particularly
suited to dispensing viscous fluids, such as soaps, shampoos, etc.
In contrast to many conventional pump-action dispenser nozzles, the
nozzles according to the present invention provide an inexpensive, simple,
convenient and effective means by which a product may be dispensed from a
non-pressurised container. In certain embodiments, the nozzles of the present
invention require less effort (typically up to four times less effort) to pump an
equivalent volume of fluid when compared with the conventional pump and
trigger nozzle devices. Furthermore., in preferred embodiments where the
dispenser nozzle is formed from a single material, the nozzle devices of the
present invention possess a number of advantages over the dispenser nozzles
disclosed in EP 0 442 858, US 3,820,689, and EP 0 649 684 discussed
previously. Specifically, the formation of the dispenser nozzle from a single
material, particularly in preferred embodiments where the two parts are
integrally formed and connected to one another by a foldable connection
element or a hinged joint so that the upper part can be swung into contact with
the base part to form the assembled dispenser nozzle, avoids the requirement
for the assembly of multiple, separate component parts. Furthermore, forming
the dispenser nozzle from a single material provides the possibility of
possibility of welding the two parts of the body together (e.g. by heat or
ultrasonic welding) or, if the plastic material is a rigid plastic material, then a
snap-fit connection can be formed between the upper part and the base. The
latter option also enables the upper part and base to be disconnected
periodically for cleaning, as well as enabling the base to possess sufficient
strength.
In contrast, the dispensers disclosed in EP 0 442 858, US 3,820,689, and
EP 0 649 684 require the assembly of the two component parts together and, if
a lock was to be included, then three component parts would be required. In
addition, the join between the resiliently deforrnable material and the rigid
plastic material is less than perfect, because .during use the resiliently
deforrnable material can creep or even become detached from the rigid
material. Thus, the requirement for a more reliable join remains.
How the invention may be put into practice will now be described by
way of example only, in reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of an assembled dispenser nozzle of the
present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the base part 401 shown in Figure I ,
without the upper part 402 present;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the upper part 402 shown in Figure 1;
Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the dispenser nozzle shown in
Figure 1;
Figure 4B is a further cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
Figure 4A;
Figure 5A is a perspective view of an alternative dispenser nozzle of the
invention in a dissembled configuration;
Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view taken through the embodiment
shown in Figure 5 A;
Figure 6A is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a dispenser
nozzle of the invention in a dissembled configuration;
Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken through the embodiment
shown in Figure 6A;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through another alternative
embodiment of a dispenser nozzle of the present invention;
Figures 8a, 8b, Sc and 8d show various illustrations of another
embodiment of the dispenser nozzle present invention;
Figures 9a, 9b and 9c show various views of a further embodiment of
the present invention;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a dispenser nozzle comprising a
piston assembly for compressing the chamber;
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the
present invention in dissembled form; and
Figures 12A, 12B and 12C all show various perspective views of an
embodiment according to the fourth aspect of the present invention.
In the following description of the figures, like reference numerals are
used to denote like or corresponding parts in different figures, where
appropriate.
The embodiment of a dispenser nozzle shown in Figure 1 comprises a
body 400 formed of two parts, namely a base part 401 and an upper part/rigid
top 402, which is fitted to the upper surface of the base part 401. The body 400
is formed from a rigid plastic material.
The base part 401 comprises a screw-threaded recess in its underside to
enable the body to be secured to a screw-threaded neck of a container,
effectively forming a screw-threaded cap. The upper part 402 is fitted to the
upper surface base part 401, as shown in Figure 1, and forms a substantially
dome-shaped protrusion on the upper surface of the body 400. This dome
shaped protrusion is the resiliency deformable portion of the body, which can
be pressed by an operator to course it to deform inwards to reduce the volume
of the internal chamber. This causes fluid to be ejected from the chamber
through the outlet orifice 403.
A perspective view of the base part 401 is shown in Figure 2. Referring
to Figure 2, the base part 402 comprises a downwardly extending portion 501,
the under surface of which is provided with the screw threaded recess
previously mentioned. The upper surface of the base 401 has a perimeter edge
504, which encircles a central recessed portion 502. The recessed portion 502
consists of a deeper portion 502a shaped substantially like an inverted dome,
which extends to form the lower part of a generally spout-like outlet having an
edge 505 that defines a portion of the outlet orifice. In the region of the outlet
edge 505 of the base 401, the recessed portion 502 forms an abutment surface
502b, which, together with the upper part 402, defines an outlet passage/valve
of the dispenser nozzle leading to the outlet orifice formed by edge 505 and a
corresponding edge of the upper portion.
Positioned within recess 502, and just inside the edge 504, is a channel
506, the significance of which will be come apparent in the discussion of
Figures 3 below. Also positioned in the region 502a of the recess 502 is an
inlet opening 503, through which fluid may be drawn into the dispenser nozzle
from the associated container during use. The opening of the inlet 503 is
positioned within a further recess 503 a, the significance of which will again
become apparent in the discussion of Figure 3 below.
The under surface of the upper part 402 is shown in more detail in
Figure 3 (for the purpose of illustration, the upper part shown in Figure 3 is
inverted). The under surface of the upper part 402 is surrounded by lip 601,
which, when the upper part 402 is fitted to the base 401, is received within the
channel 506 to form a tight seal between the base and the upper part, thereby
preventing any fluid leakage occurring at the join between the base 401 and the
upper part 402. The under surface of the upper part extends between the lip
601 and assumes the configuration a substantially dome-shaped recess at 602a,
which aligns with the recessed portion 502a when the base and upper part are
connected together, and extends to form an abutment surface at region 602b,
which contacts the opposing abutment surface 502b of the base 401 in the
assembled dispenser nozzle to define the outlet passageway. The upper part
additionally comprises a flap projection 603 which, when the upper surface is
fitted to the base 401, sits within the recess 503 a and is resiliently biased
against the inlet opening 503. The flap projection 603 forms the resiliently
deformable valve member of the inlet valve.
The internal structure and operation of the dispenser nozzle 400 shown
in Figure 1 will be better understood by referring to the cross-sectional views
shown in Figures 4A and 4B. Referring to Figure 4A, the base 401 comprises
recesses 701 and 702 on it's under surface. The recess 701 comprises a screwthread
(not shown) and is circular in profile so that it can be fitted to a circular
screw-threaded neck opening of a container. The recess 702 on the other hand
is adapted to receive a dip tube 704 and also extends to form the inlet opening
503 of the dispenser valve. The portion 502 of the upper surface 502 of the
base 401, together with the portion 602a under surface of the upper part 402,
defines an internal chamber 700. The portion 502b of the upper surface,
together with the portion 602b of the under surface of the upper part 402
defines an outlet passage which leads to an outlet orifice 403 defined by the
edge 505 of the base and edge 605 of the upper part. Thus, the portion 602a of
the upper part 402 is made from a thin section of rigid plastic capable of
undergoing a resilient deformation. This portion of the body 400 is therefore
the resiliently deformable portion of the body that defines the chamber. The
abutment surface formed by portion 602b of the upper part 402 is also
configured to resiliently deform from the resiliently biased configuration
whereby the outlet passageway is closed, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, to a
position in which the passageway is open. Thus, the resiliently deformable
outlet passageway effectively forms the outlet valve of the device.
Furthermore, the flap projection 603 of the upper part is received within the
recess 503a surrounding the inlet 505 of the chamber to form an inlet flap
valve, as previously discussed.
Therefore, during use, the resilientiy deformable portion of the upper
part 402, in the region 602a can be deformed downwards by the application of a
pressure by, for example, an operator's finger pressing this region. The
application of a pressure causes the volume of the chamber 700 to reduce and
the pressure therein to increase. When the pressure within the chamber exceeds
a predetermined minimum threshold value, the abutment surface 602b of the
upper part will be caused to deform away from the opposing surface 502b of
the base to define an open outlet passageway through which the fluid present in
the chamber may pass through and be expelled through the outlet 403 of the
dispenser nozzle. It will be appreciated that fluid is prevented from flowing out
of the chamber through the inlet by the flap 603. As fluid is ejected, the
pressure within the chamber 700 will gradually fall as the fluid present within
the chamber is dispensed and when it falls below the minimum threshold value
the resiliently deformable abutment surface of the outlet passageway 602b will
deform back to position whereby it abuts the surface 502b and the and the
outlet passageway is closed.
If the pressure applied to the chamber in the region of 602a is then
removed, the pressure within the chamber will decrease as the chamber deforms
back to the expanded configuration by virtue of its inherent resilience. This
reduction in pressure causes fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the
inlet because the pressure differential between the inlet 503 and the chamber
700 causes the flap projection 603 to be deflected away from the inlet orifice.
Once the portion 602a of the upper part of the body assumes its initial
resiliently biased configuration, the flap projection 603 deforms back to the
position shown in Figure 4A whereby the inlet is closed.
As an alternative, the body of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4
could be manufactured from a flexible plastic material. The dispenser could be
made by any suitable moulding procedure. For example, the base 401 and
upper part 402 could be moulded separately and then connected together either
in the same mould or in separate moulds or, alternatively, one of the parts could
be moulded first and the other part can be moulded onto the first part.
An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 5 A and
5B. This embodiment is virtually identical to the embodiment shown in Figures
1 to 4, as shown by the like reference numerals. The sole difference between
this embodiment and the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 is that the upper part
402 is connected to the base 401 via a hinge or foldable connection 801, as
shown in Figure 5A, which enables the upper part 402 to be folded over to
engage the base 401 to form the assembled dispenser nozzle as shown in Figure
5B. In this embodiment, the upper part is formed entirely from a rigid plastic
material, but, in alternative embodiments, the upper part may comprise a
framework of a rigid plastic (the same as that of the base) to which a flexible
plastic material is over-moulded.
The main advantage of the embodiment shown in Figures 5A and 5B is
that the base 401 and the upper part 402 are integrally formed, which means
that the entire body of the dispenser can be moulded in a single step from a
single material, with all the consequential advantages of reduced costs due to
minimal assembly and processing times. For instance, the dispenser could be
moulded in the open configuration shown in Figure 5A, and the upper part
could then be folded over about the connection element 801 to form the
assembled nozzle device.
Figure 6A shows a further embodiment of the invention, which is
identical to the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, apart from the fact that this
embodiment additionally comprises an air leak valve adapted to permit air to
flow into the container from the outside to equalise any pressure differential
between the container and the external environment that may exist (but prevent
fluid flowing the other way if the container is inverted, for example).
The air leak valve consists of a resiliently deformable valve member
1101, which is received within an opening 1102 of the base when the dispenser
nozzle is assembled, as shown in Figure 6B. The opening 1102, together with
the groove 1103 defines a passageway through which air may flow into the
container from the outside in the assembled dispenser nozzle. The tip of the
resiliently deformable member 1101 is provided with a flared rim, the edges of
which abut the internal walls of the opening 1102 to form an airtight seal. If a
reduced pressure exists in the container as a consequence of expelling fluid
through the dispenser nozzle, the pressure differential between the interior of
the container and the external environment causes the flared rim of the member
1101 to deform inwards, thereby permitting air to flow into the container from
the external environment. Once the pressure differential has been equalised,
the flared rim returns to its original resiliently biased configuration, as shown in
Figure 6B. It shall also be appreciated that if the container is inverted, the
product cannot leak past the rim of the resiliently deformable member 1101 and
any pressure that is applied, by squeezing the container for example, simply
pushes the flared rim into tighter abutment with the walls of the opening 1102.
In an alternative embodiment, the air leak valve may be a post or flap
positioned within a hole which can resiliently deform to open the passageway
when a pressure differential exists, thereby allowing air to flow into the
container from the external environment.
In a further alternative, the resiliently deformable upper part 402 could
comprise a fine slit above an opening similar to opening 1102. This slit could
be configured to open when a pressure differential exists.
In yet another alternative, the air release may be positioned closer to the
resiliently deformable upper part 402 and configured such that, when the upper
part is pressed downwards to expel the contents present in the chamber 700, the
resiliently deformable member deforms in such a way that the air valve is
opened, and air may flow into or out of the chamber to equalise any pressure
differential that may exist.
A further alternative embodiment of a dispenser nozzle of the present
invention is shown in Figure 7. The dispensing device shown in Figure 7
comprises many features of the embodiments previously described, as shown by
the like referenced numerals. However, there are also a number of
modifications.
Specifically, the outlet 403 of the device 1401 has been modified so that
the product is dispensed downwards in the direction of arrow 1405. Of course
it shall be appreciated that the outlet may be configured to dispense the product
at any angle (e.g. at 30-45° to the vertical).
The outlet passageway has also been further adapted to incorporate a
locking means. The locking means comprises a plug 1406 formed on the upper
part 402. The plug extends to form a button 1407 on the upper surface of the
upper part 402, which can be pressed to urge the plug 1406 into a sealing
engagement with the outlet orifice 403, as shown in Figure 7. In this
configuration, the plug 1406 seals the outlet 403 and prevents fluid being
dispensed from the chamber. To release the seal and permit fluid to be
dispensed through the outlet 403, an operator must pull the button 1407
upwards to remove the plug 1406 from the outlet. Once released, the portion
602b of the upper part can resiliency deform away from the abutment surface
of the base 502b to define an open outlet passageway when the chamber is
compressed. This deformation of portion 602b of the upper part when fluid is
flowing towards the outlet 403 also removes the plug from the vicinity of the
outlet 403 to define a passageway that fluid can flow through. As soon as the
contents of the chamber have been dispensed, the portion 602b and the plug
1406 of the upper part will deform back to close the outlet passageway. In this
regard, the plug 1406 sits over the outlet 403 to effectively form a non-return
valve, which prevents any air or product being drawn back into the chamber.
After use, an operator can press the button 1407 to plug the outlet and prevent
any accidental actuation of the device.
A generally L-shaped member 1408 having a Up 1408a hangs down
from the base of the plug 1406 and protrudes through the outlet 403. When the
plug is in a sealing engagement with the outlet 403, as shown in Figure 7, the
lip 1408a is displaced from the underside of the base. However, when the
button 1407 is pulled to remove the plug 1407, the lip 1408a of the member
1408 abuts the underside of the base and prevents the button 1407 being pulled
too far. Any other means of preventing the button 1407 from being pulled too
far can be used.
The seal formed by the ridge 601 being received within a corresponding
groove 506 has also been modified in two respects. Firstly, the seal extends
around the entire perimeter of the chamber 700 and additionally, encompasses
the outlet passageway defined between the abutment surfaces of portion 502b
of the base and 602b of the upper part. Therefore, a complete seal is formed to
prevent fluid seeping between the upper part 402 and the base part 401 and
leaking out of the nozzle. Secondly, the thickness of the ridge protrusion tapers
towards its base and the width of the groove 506 tapers correspondingly
towards its opening. Hence, the ridge 601 can be pushed, or snap fitted, into
the groove 506 to form a tight sealing engagement, which also functions to hold
the upper part 402 the base 401 together. The sides of the male protrusion
member and the corresponding sides of the groove that form the seal can be any
shape including straight, upwards taper, one side straight and other tapered, or
one side of the protrusion may comprise ridge which is received within a
further groove formed in the side wall of the groove etc
The flap valve member 603 at the inlet has also been provided with a
support arm 603 a. The support arm 603 a is configured to resiliency bias the
flap 603 over the inlet orifice and thereby increases the strength of the seal
formed there between, as well as the pressure required to cause the flap 603 to
deform away and open the inlet 503 during use.
The dispenser nozzle shown in Figures 1 to 7 comprise a generally
dome-shaped protrusion on the upper surface, which can be depressed by an
operator to compress the chamber and cause the contents stored therein to be
expelled through the outlet. One potential problem with such designs is that the
operator needs to press the dome using their finger, which requires the operator
to position their finger in the correct location to ensure that the chamber is
compressed and fluid is ejected through the outlet. It has also been found that a
relatively high pressure is required to press the dome to a sufficient extent,
which can be a further disadvantage, especially as it is commonplace for people
to actuate conventional pump dispensers by applying pressure with a different
portion of the their hand, such as using their palm, or even using their elbow or
forearm. In these instances, it would be much more problematical to adequately
compress the dome using, for example, the palm of the hand in order actuate
the ejection of fluid from the device.
Accordingly, further modified embodiments of the present invention
have been developed that can be actuated by an operator using any part of their
hand or arm, one of which is illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B. These figures
show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of an alternative
dispenser nozzle according to the present invention, which solves the
aforementioned problems associated with device shown in Figures 1 to 7. The
dispenser nozzle shown in these Figures is virtually the same as that shown in
Figure 7, except that the dispenser nozzle additionally comprises a handle or
over cap 2001, which is folded over from the front edge of the upper surface of
the base, about a hinged connection 2002 to cover the base 401 and the upper
part 402, as shown in Figure 8a. The leading edge 200la of the handle 2001
extends right over the upper surface of the upper part and is received on a ledge
2003 formed as the rear side of the base. The ledge 2003 prevents the cover
being pushed downwards so that protrusions 2004 compress the chamber 700.
Thus the actuation of the device is inhibited. To release the lock, the sides of
the over cap can be squeezed inwards, as shown by arrows 2005 in Figure 8C,
to displace the edge of the handle 2001 from the ledge. The handle 2001 may
then be depressed to compress the chamber and actuate the dispensing of the
fluid stored therein. The handle 2001 effectively forms a curved surface that
the operator can press to actuate the dispensing of fluid from the chamber. The
handle 2001 may be curved, as shown in Figures 8A, 8C and 8D, or flat.
The chamber 700 and the protrusion 2004 can be moved further forward
to increase the mechanical advantage/efficiency of the device (by effectively
increasing the leverage when the handle is pressed.
Figure 9A shows a dissembled embodiment of s further modified
embodiment of the invention in which the base 401 and upper part 402 are
disconnected from one another. This embodiment is in effect a simplified
version of the embodiment shown in Figures 8a-d. The base 401 is connected
to the upper part 402 by the bendable/foldable connection element 2002 and
can be moulded from a single material and extracted from the mould in the
configuration shown in Figure 9A. As previously described, the upper part can
be swung over and fitted to the upper surface of the base 401 to form an
assembled dispenser nozzle, as shown in Figure 9B.
Referring to Figure 9B, it can be seen that, in the assembled
configuration, the protrusion 601 extending around the perimeter of the upper
surface of the base 401 is received in a sealing engagement with a groove 506
formed in the upper part 402 to form a sealed connection between the base 401
and the upper part 402, and the resiliently deformable flap 603 is received
within the recess formed in the base surrounding the inlet 503 to form the inlet
valve. Both of these arrangements have been previously described above. In
contrast to the previously described embodiments, however, the upper part 402
also possess two elements 2501 which comprise indents 250la adapted to
receive the tips of two pivot protrusions 2502 formed on the upper surface of
the base 401. This arrangement enables the upper part 402 to pivot relative to
the base so that the portion 602a of the upper part can be displaced towards the
portion 502a of the upper surface of the base 401 to compress the chamber 700,
as shown in Figure 9C. The upper part is resiliency biased to assume the
configuration shown in Figure 9B whereby the portions of the base and upper
part that define the chamber 700, namely 502a and 602a respectively, are
displaced from one another so that the chamber 700 assumes its maximum
volume. The resilient bias is provided by the resiliency deformable wall 2504
of the base 401, which can resiliency flex (as shown in Figure 9C) when a
downward force is applied in the direction of arrow 2505, to permit the portions
502a and 602a to corne closer together and reduce the volume of the chamber
700. When the downward force is removed, the wall 2504 returns to its initial
configuration, as shown in Figure 9B.
Thus, an operator can apply a downward force by pressing on the upper
part 402 anywhere in the region 2506 to compress the chamber and cause the
contents stored therein to displace the plug 1406 from the outlet aperture 403
and enable fluid to be dispensed through the outlet 403. The plug 1406
effectively functions as a pre-compression valve as fluid will only be dispensed
from the chamber 700 when the pressure therein is sufficient to displace the
plug 1406 from the outlet orifice. When the downward pressure is removed,
the chamber 700 re-expands as the wall 2504 returns to its original
configuration and the pressure within the chamber will then fall causing more
fluid to be drawn into the chamber through the inlet valve.
The main difference between this embodiment and those previously
described is that the upper part 402 is configured to remain rigid and the wall
2504 of the base is instead configured to deform to permit the chamber to be
compressed. This provides an advantage in that the operator can use any part of
their hand, or even arm, to actuate the dispensing of fluid from the container.
This arrangement also provides and increased mechanical efficiency and
enables the operator to keep in contact with the upper part. The upper part
could be made from a flexible material provided the sides wall 2504 is
configured to deform preferentially.
1 Any suitable outlet valve described herein may be used instead of the
plug 1406. In addition, the device may optionally include a locking member
2510 which is integrally formed with the upper part 402 and can be swung into
abutment with the base 401, as shown in Figure 9B, to prevent the upper part
402 from being able to pivot and compress the chamber 700. Hence, the device
is locked and the accidental actuation will be inhibited. The locking member
2510 can be disengaged from the base 401 to enable the device to be operated
in the manner described above.
In certain embodiments of the invention, a trigger actuator configured to
depress the upper part 402 when the trigger is pulled by an operator may be
provided.
The embodiments shown in Figures 8a-d and 9a-c could be made from a
single, integrally formed component part, as shown, or could be formed from
several separate component parts that are assembled together to form the
device. The device would usually be moulded from a rigid plastic, but could
be moulded entirely from a flexible plastic for certain applications. The
necessary deformability for certain parts of the structure can be provided by
making these required sections of a reduced thickness, which imparts the
necessary deformability characteristics into the design.
Figure 10 shows a further alternative embodiment of the invention that
incorporates a piston cylinder 2301 having a piston 2302 slidably mounted
therein. Movement of the piston to compress the chamber 700, and thereby
expel the contents stored therein, is facilitated by pressing the resiliently
deformable portion of the body 2304, which is connected to the base 401 by a
resilient deformable hinge 2303. Pressing this portion of the body urges the
resiliently mounted piston 2302 inwards to compress the chamber 700. When
the applied pressure is released, the hinge 2303 urges the piston back to its
initial resiliently biased position, as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of a dispenser nozzle device
of the invention in a dissembled configuration. Instead of comprising a single
chamber, the embodiment shown in Figure 11 comprises two separate internal
chambers formed by the alignment of portions 502a and 602a, as previously
described, and portion 1150a and 115la when the upper part and base are
connected together. Each chamber is provided with a separate inlet and
separate outlet so that fluid can be drawn from separate compartments within
the same container into the respective chambers and dispensed through separate
outlets.
The dispenser nozzle shown in Figure 11 also comprises two air leak
valves, one for equalising the pressure within each separate compartment
within the container to which the dispenser nozzle is attached.
In alternative embodiments, the outlets of each chamber may merge so
that the fluid present in each chamber mix either on or. prior to being dispensed
through a common outlet orifice.
Each chamber may comprise a liquid or the second chamber may
comprise air or another gas instead.
Figure 12A to 12C show various perspective views of dispenser device
according to the present invention. The dispenser device as shown in Figures
12A to 12C is a nasal spray device which comprises an elongate outlet 2401
which is adapted to be inserted into a user's nose. Fluid is stored in an internal
chamber of'the device, which is defined between an upper part 402 and a base
401. Fluid is dispensed by pressing a resilientiy deformable portion of the
upper part 602a to compress chamber and cause fluid to be dispensed through
the outlet 403.
The device may be a single use device whereby the entire contents of the
chamber are dispensed following a single actuation. Alternatively, the chamber
may be provided with an inlet though which a further dose of fluid can be
drawn into the chamber when the applied pressure is released and the resiliently
deformable portion of the body returned to its resiliently biased configuration.
As a further alternative, the entire body of the device may be resiliently
deformable, rather than just the portion 602a, so that the device can be
squeezed between the fingers of an operator to trigger the dispensing of fluid.
It shall be appreciated that the description of the embodiments of the
invention described in reference to the figures is intended to be by way of
example only and should not construed as limiting the scope of the invention.


We claim:
1. A pump-action dispenser nozzle adapted to enable liquid stored in a container to be dispensed through said nozzle during use, said nozzle having a body (400) which defines an internal chamber (700) having an inlet (503) through which liquid may be drawn into said chamber and an outlet (403) through which liquid present in the chamber may be expelled from the nozzle, said inlet comprising an inlet valve (603) adapted to only permit liquid to flow into the chamber through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below the pressure within the container by at least a minimum threshold amount and said outlet comprising an outlet valve (1406) configured to only permit liquid to flow out of the chamber and be expelled from the nozzle when the pressure therein exceeds the external pressure at the outlet by at least a minimum threshold amount, the body comprising two parts (401, 402) connected together to define the chamber, and wherein at least a portion (602a) of one of the parts of the body which defines said chamber is configured to:
(i) resiliently deform from an initial resiliently biased configuration to a distended or deformed configuration in response to the application of a pressure, whereby the volume of said chamber defined by said portion of the body is reduced as said portion of the body is deformed from said initial configuration to said distended or deformed configuration, said reduction in volume causing the pressure within the chamber to increase and liquid to be ejected through the outlet valve; and
(ii) subsequently return to its initial resiliently biased configuration when the applied pressure is removed, thereby causing the volume of the chamber to increase and the pressure therein to fall such that liquid is drawn into the chamber through the inlet valve;

the dispenser further comprising a dip tube (704) through which liquid can be drawn into the chamber (700) from deep within a container;
characterized in that said one of the parts (402) of the body is a bi-injection moulding comprising a rigid framework on to which is over moulded a compatible flexible material to form the resiliently deformable portion and a resiliently deformable valve member of the outlet valve, the framework defining an abutment surface (602b) which contacts a corresponding rigid abutment surface (502b) on the other of the parts (401) of the body, the two parts of the body being permanently fixed together by welding.
2. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resiliently deformable parts (602a) of the body are moulded from a resilient plastics material onto the remainder of the body which is moulded from a rigid plastic material.
3. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a sealing means (601, 506) is disposed between the two parts of the body which define the chamber.
4. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the two parts of the body (401, 402)are connected together by means of a hinge or foldable connection element (801).
5. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nozzle is adapted to be fitted to an opening of a container so as to enable liquid stored in said container to be dispensed during use.

6. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said nozzle is
integrally formed with said container so as to enable liquid stored in said
container to be dispensed during use.
7. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two parts (401, 402) that define the chamber also between them define at least a portion of the outlet (403) of the dispenser nozzle, or a passageway leading to the outlet from the chamber.
8. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two parts of the body of the dispenser nozzle are a base part (401) and an upper part (402).
9. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said base part (401)is adapted to be fitted to the opening of a container.
10. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said base part (401) also defines the inlet (403) as well as a portion of a passageway leading from the chamber to the outlet.
11. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the upper part (402) is adapted to be connected to the base so that between them they define the chamber (700) and a passageway leading to the outlet of the dispenser.
12. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the upper part (402) comprises the resiliently deformable portion (602a) of the body defining the chamber.
13. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said nozzle comprises a single component part.

14. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the outlet valve (403, 1406) is formed by the two parts (401,
402) of the body of the dispenser nozzle.
15. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the valve is formed by a portion (1406) of one of said parts (402) being resiliently biased against the other of said parts to close the outlet or a passageway leading thereto, said resiliently biased portion being configured to deform away from the other of said parts to define an open outlet or passage leading thereto when the pressure within the chamber exceeds the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount.
16. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet comprises a passageway or channels that extends from the chamber to an outlet orifice (403).
17. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the passageway, or 'at least a portion thereof, is defined between the two parts (401, 402) of the body.
18. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the passageway is defined between two abutting surfaces (502b, 602b) of the two parts, and at least a portion of one of the abutment surfaces is resiliently biased against the opposing surface so as to form the one-way outlet valve in the passageway or at the outlet orifice.
19. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 18, wherein one of the abutment surfaces comprises a resiliently deformable valve member (1406) that is resiliently biased against the opposing abutment surface to close the outlet orifice (403) of the passageway leading thereto and is

configured to deform away from the other of said parts to define an open outlet or passage leading thereto when the pressure within the chamber exceeds the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount.
20. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 19, wherein said valve member (1406) is in the form of a flap or a plug.
21. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet valve (603) is a flap valve consisting of a resiliently deformable flap (603) positioned over the inlet opening (503), said flap being adapted to deform so as to allow liquid to be drawn into the chamber (700) through the inlet when the pressure within the chamber falls below a predetermined minimum threshold pressure, and subsequent return to its resiliently biased configuration at all other times.
22. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein the resiliently deformable flap (603) is formed as an integral extension of the resiliently deformable portion (602a) of the body which defines the chamber.
23. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 21, wherein a second reinforcing flap or member contacts the opposing surface of the resiliently deformable flap.
24. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser device comprises a locking means (1406;, 2001;, 2510) configured to prevent liquid being dispensed accidentally.
25. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 24, wherein the lock is integrally formed with the body.

26. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the
locking means comprise a hinged or slidable rigid cover (2001).
27. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the device further comprises an air leak valve (1101, 1102,
1103) through which air can flow to equalise any pressure differential
between the interior of the container and the external environment, but
prevents any liquid leaking out of the valve if the nozzle is inverted.
28. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 27, wherein the air leak valve (1101, 1102, 1103) is integrally formed within the body of the dispenser nozzle.
29. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 28, wherein the air leak valve (1101, 1102, 1103) is defined between the two parts of the body of the dispenser that define the chamber.
30. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the air leak valve comprises a valve member (1101) disposed within a channel (1102, 1103) that is defined by the body of the device and connects the interior of the container to the external environment.
31. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 30, wherein the valve member (1101) is resiliently biased so as to contact the sides of the channel (1102) and forms a sealing engagement therewith to prevent any liquid from leaking out of the container, said valve member being further adapted to either resiliently deform or displace from the sealing engagement with the sides of the channel to define an opening through which air can flow into the container when pressure within the container falls below the external pressure by at least a minimum threshold amount.

32. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 30, or claim 31, wherein
the valve member is in the form of a plunger (1101) that extends into the
channel (1102) and comprises an outwardly extending wall that abuts
the sides of the channel to form a seal.
33. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 32, wherein the plunger (1101) is mounted on to a deformable base or flap which is capable of some movement when pressure is applied to the resiliently deformable portion of the body to reduce the volume of the chamber so as to prevent the build up and hardening of any residue in the air leak valve.
34. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 33, wherein a protective cover is provided over the opening of the channel on the internal surface of the device to prevent liquid present in the interior of the container from contacting the valve member with a high or excessive force when the container is inverted or shaken aggressively.
35. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein said air leak valve (1101, 1102, 1103) is further adapted to permit a gas to flow out of the container when the pressure therein exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
36. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 35, wherein said valve member (1101) is configured to deform when the pressure within the container exceeds the predetermined threshold value so as to expose one or more fine grooves formed in the sides of the channel, said groove(s) being configured to permit a gas to slowly seep out of the container.

37. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of said two
parts possesses a flange that fits tightly around the upper surface of the
other part to form a seal therewith.
38. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the seal comprises a male protrusion (601) formed on the abutment surface of one of the two parts (402) that is received in a sealing engagement with a corresponding groove formed on the opposing abutment surface of the other part when the two parts are connected together.
39. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 38, wherein the seal extends around the entire chamber (700) and also the outlet so that liquid leaking from any position in the dispenser defined between the two parts is prevented from seeping between the join formed between the two parts.
40. A dispenser nozzle as claimed in claim 39, wherein the two parts of the body (401, 402) define an outlet passageway leading from the chamber to the outlet orifice (403) and the protrusion member (601) of said seal extends across the passageway and form the resiliently deformable valve member of the outlet valve.
41. A method of manufacturing a nozzle device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 42, comprising the steps of
(i) moulding said parts of the body (401, 402);
(ii) connecting said parts of the body together to form the body of
the nozzle device.
42. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein said parts (401, 402)
are moulded separately.

43. A method as claimed in claim 43, wherein said two parts are
integrally formed and connected to one another by a connection element
(801) that permits the two integrally formed parts to be brought into
contact during the assembly of the nozzle device.
44. A method of manufacturing a nozzle device as claimed in claim 44, wherein a first of said parts of the body (401) is moulded in a first processing step together with a framework or base for a second of said parts (402).
45. A method of manufacturing a nozzle device as claimed in claim 46, wherein the method further comprises over-moulding on to the framework or base to form the second of said parts.
46. A method of manufacturing a nozzle device as claimed in claim 46 or claim 47, wherein said framework or base is connected to the first part by a foldable connection element (801) such that said framework or base can be folded over and fitted to the first part during the assembly of the body of the nozzle device.
47. A method of manufacturing a nozzle device as claimed in claim 47, wherein said over-moulding is carried out before said framework is fitted to the first part to form the body of the nozzle device.
48. A method of manufacturing a nozzle device as claimed in claim 47, wherein said over-moulding is carried out after said framework is fitted to the first part to form the body of the nozzle device.
49. A method as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 50, wherein, a blowing agent is incorporated into the mould together with the plastic material.

50. A container having a pump-action dispenser nozzle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 40, fitted to an opening thereof or integrally formed therewith so as to enable a liquid stored in the container to dispensed from the container through said dispenser nozzle during use.

Documents:

3271-DELNP-2005-Abstract-(01-01-2008).pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Abstract-(01-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-abstract.pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Claims-(01-01-2008).pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Claims-(01-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-claims-(10-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-claims.pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others-(01-01-2008).pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others-(01-07-2008).pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Correspondence-Others-(04-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-correspondence-others-(10-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-correspondence-others.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-description (complete)-01-07-2008.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-description (complete)-10-07-2008.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-description (complete).pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Drawings-(01-01-2008).pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Drawings-(01-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-drawings.pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Form-1-(01-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-form-1-(10-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-form-1.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-form-18.pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Form-2-(01-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-form-2-(10-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-form-2.pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Form-3-(01-01-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-form-3.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-form-5.pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-GPA-(01-01-2008).pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-GPA-(04-07-2008).pdf

3271-delnp-2005-gpa.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-pct-101.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-pct-105.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-pct-304.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-pct-332.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-pct-409.pdf

3271-delnp-2005-pct-416.pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Petition-137-(01-01-2008).pdf

3271-DELNP-2005-Petition-138-(01-01-2008).pdf


Patent Number 223017
Indian Patent Application Number 3271/DELNP/2005
PG Journal Number 38/2008
Publication Date 19-Sep-2008
Grant Date 03-Sep-2008
Date of Filing 22-Jul-2005
Name of Patentee INCRO LIMITED
Applicant Address 35 FAIRFIELD RISE, WOLLASTON, STOURBRIDGE, WEST MIDLANDS DY8 3PQ, GREAT BRITAIN.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 KEITH LAIDLER 35 FAIRFIELD RISE, WOLLASTON, STOURBRIDGE, WEST MIDLANDS DY8 3PQ, GREAT BRITAIN
2 TIMOTHY RODD CHART HOUSE, SANDY LANE, LYNDHURST, HANTS SO43 7DN, GREAT BRITAIN
PCT International Classification Number B05B
PCT International Application Number PCT/GB2004/000617
PCT International Filing date 2004-02-17
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 0303698.5 2003-02-18 U.K.
2 0310244.9 2003-05-03 U.K.
3 0327423.0 2003-11-25 U.K.
4 0305597.7 2003-03-12 U.K.
5 0308909.1 2003-04-17 U.K.