AU2004284019B2 - A dispensing unit for controlled discharge of metered volume - Google Patents

Description

A DISPENSER

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a dispenser or a dispensing unit for controlling discharge of a volume of fluid from a container and in particular, though not solely, this invention relates to a dispensing unit for use with and connection to fluid holding containers. It should be appreciated however that the present invention could be used to dispense a variety of fluids and/or any other fluid-like flowable substance.

BACKGROUND ART

The controlled dispensing of a desired volume of fluid can be difficult, often resulting in under or over fluid dispensing. The ability to determine the volume of the fluid being dispensed with some degree of accuracy has previously also been difficult or cumbersome. Known methods and apparatus for fluid measurement, include volume indicating container such as a cup and/or cap. However this requires fluid to be dispensed twice, firstly into volume indicating container and then out of the volume indicating container. It is also known to provide total fluid volume indicators in containers, such as clear or slightly translucent side-bar measuring facilities, often located on the side of a container, wherein the dispensed volume is determined by subtracting the final volume from the initial volume.

It is desirable for the dispensed volume of particular fluids to be accurately and/or more precisely determined. This is particularly important when such fluids are to be mixed or applied to other fluids or articles. As examples, poisons, two-stroke oils (e.g. for addition to fuels), liquid concentrates, washing detergents, medicines and low to high viscosity fluids require dispensing precisely.

Present fluid container dispensers and nozzles have a number of further problems, one of which is the frustration and annoyance to a user regarding the unsightly mess of dispensed fluids which may on occasion leave a drip or small amount of fluid hanging on the edge of a container throat or nozzle lip. The drip or small amount of fluid remaining is usually wiped away by a user using a cloth. However, a user may not notice the fluid drip, which may then roll onto the container top surrounds or a side of the container - leaving an unsightly and dirty stain or build-up. For example, two-stroke oil usage and dispensing can result in a mess left on the outside of a container or nozzle which may coat a user's hands or stain their clothes. In the event of poison usage and dispensing, this can be a health hazard to curious children or animals who may investigate and/or consume the spilt fluid. Further, in kitchen usage, containers need to be preferably kept in a hygienic state to avoid the attraction of pests.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing the foregoing problems or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

Preferably a dispenser with volumetric measuring capabilities for connection with a fluid container may provide a suitable alternative and/or additional volume check prior to discharging of fluid from the dispenser. A dispensing unit suitable for general connection to a wide variety of fluid containers would be advantageous for quickly and easily ensuring a dispenser can be used not only for specialised fluid container applications, but also general purpose usage.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinence of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications may be referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a dispenser unit for a fluid container, comprising: a coupling adapted for connection to said fluid container; a reservoir having inlet and outlet ports, the reservoir inlet port adapted to receive fluid from the fluid container; a spout coupled to the inlet port of the reservoir and having a spout outlet port within said reservoir; and a fluid flow control means positioned within said spout which allows fluid flow into said reservoir and selectively blocks fluid flow through said spout upon tilting said fluid container to a pre-determined angle from the vertical.

Preferably, the fluid flow control means is a ball-check type valve. Preferably, the fluid flow control means operates to substantially block fluid flow within said spout when the dispenser unit is at an angle greater than or substantially equal to 90° from its upright position.

Preferably, the fluid flow control means allows fluid flow when the dispenser unit is at an angle less than 90° from its upright position. Preferably, the fluid flow control means allows fluid flow when a predetermined fluid pressure is built up behind said fluid flow control means.

Preferably, said predetermined fluid pressure is sufficient to move the fluid flow control means to an unblocking, or fluid flow, position.

Preferably, said predetermined fluid pressure is insufficient to force said fluid flow control means to block the spout outlet port.

Preferably, the dispenser unit further includes a nozzle able to extend from a first operational position substantially within the reservoir to a second operational position protruding from said reservoir.

Preferably, the nozzle is defined to have a base and a tip, wherein the second operational position is obtained when the base meshes with an internal wall in the outlet port of the reservoir.

Preferably, the internal wall and base of the nozzle may be correspondingly shaped to receive one another and create a liquid-tight seal therebetween. Preferably, the reservoir outlet port has at least one nozzle guide for preventing or reducing lateral movement of said nozzle when in the second position and for maintaining an air gap between said nozzle and said reservoir outlet port.

Preferably, the air gap created by said at least one nozzle guide provides a collection zone located between the base of the nozzle, said reservoir outlet port and the external surface of the nozzle, for collection of fluid leaking along the exterior surface of the nozzle.

Preferably, any accumulation of fluid in said collection zone substantially drains into said reservoir upon substantial retraction of said nozzle into the reservoir. Preferably, the base of the nozzle is a radially extending lip.

Preferably, the radially extending lip featheredges, or tapers, at its periphery.

Preferably, the spout outlet port is substantially capped by a fluid diffuser.

Preferably, the fluid container is a manually squeezable and/or flexible container.

Preferably, the internal volume of said fluid container is able to be reduced manually. Preferably, the reservoir has a closure cap for closing said reservoir outlet port.

Preferably, a spring means engages with said nozzle for automatic nozzle extension upon removal of the closure cap from said reservoir outlet port.

Preferably, the spring means is seated upon the reservoir inlet and/or the fluid diffuser. Preferably, the reservoir has volumetric measurement indicators.

Preferably, the reservoir is of a translucent and/or transparent material and/or has a viewing port to enable observation of fluid in said reservoir.

In a further aspect, the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of dispensing fluid from a fluid container using a dispenser unit substantially as described in the first aspect, said method comprising the steps of: i. positioning the spout inlet port to receive fluid from the fluid container, and ii. manually reducing the internal volume of said fluid container by applying an inward pressure to the fluid container body to thereby induce a flow of fluid through said spout to charge said reservoir. Preferably, said method comprises the further step of discharging the fluid from the reservoir by tilting the dispenser unit to allow fluid flow through the nozzle.

Preferably, said method further comprises the step of connecting the dispenser unit to the outlet of the fluid container. Preferably, a volume of fluid may be supplied through said spout to charge said reservoir to a desired volume, and subsequently the fluid charged reservoir may be discharged via said reservoir outlet port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A illustrates a vertical section through one embodiment of a dispenser unit according to the present invention where the nozzle is in an extended position;

Figure 1B illustrates a slightly narrower version of the embodiment of Figure 1A where the fluid flow control means is operating to block fluid from entering the reservoir when the dispenser unit is in a tilted (180° rotated) position;

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a dispenser unit according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3A illustrates a section through A-A of the embodiment shown in Figure 2 with the flow control means allowing fluid flow from the container;

Figure 3B illustrates a further sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 2 with the flow control means allowing fluid flow from the container;

Figure 3C illustrates the same embodiment of Figure 3B, but in an inverted position, showing the fluid flow control means blocking fluid flow from the container; and

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate dispenser units connected to possible fluid containers.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings and in particular Figures 1A - 3C, embodiments of a dispenser unit according to the present invention will be described. Figure 1 relates to a dispenser unit which is generally indicated by arrow 1. The dispenser unit 1 is provided with a coupling 2 for connection to an outlet of a fluid container (Figures 4A and 4B). The coupling 2 may be a screw thread able to receive the thread of a fluid container; alternatively the coupling 2 may be a snap-on type device to allow a connection between the dispenser unit 1 and a fluid container (not shown).

The coupling 2 for connection to an outlet of the fluid container can be a threaded device able to communicate with the thread of a fluid container. A suitable clamp that can effectively seal around the outlet (i.e. neck of a container) is also considered by the present invention. The fluid container may be any container or bottle that holds fluids or liquids, for example, these fluids or liquids may be of varying viscosity or composition, such as medicines, oils, detergents, poisons, fertilisers and liquid foods. Fluid containers which are able to be manipulated by a user to reduce the internal volume are desirable (that is, the containers are formed from flexible materials).

The dispenser unit 1 includes a reservoir 3 with an inlet port 4 (which is in communication with a spout 6) and outlet port 5. The spout 6 allows fluid to pass through and enter the reservoir 3. The spout 6 is provided with an outlet port 7 to allow the reservoir 3 to receive fluid. The reservoir inlet port 4 is adapted to receive fluid (or liquids) from a fluid container via the spout 6. The inlet port 4 may have a length of tubing connected thereto to assist and facilitate fluids being transported through the inlet port and into the reservoir 3 such a tube may be any suitable length and diameter tube connected to inlet port 4 and it may extend to reach the bottom of a fluid container. The spout outlet port 7 may be capped by a fluid diffuser 8 or similar device for promoting a degree of controlled flow of fluid from the spout outlet port 7 into the reservoir 3.

The fluid diffuser 8 performs as a fluid flow controller to prevent fluids from fountaining out of the spout. This may be advantageous where fluids are predisposed to foaming (consequently making volume of fluid in the reservoir 3 difficult to determine). It may also be particularly useful where the dispenser unit closure means 9, for example a screw cap (not shown) or similar reservoir closure means, is not in place to prevent fountaining and/or spurting of fluid out of the reservoir outlet port 5. The reservoir 3 may be made of any material suitable to its use for a variety of fluids and operating conditions, for example, materials which do not corrode when in contact with acids, bases or alkaline fluids and/or hot or cold fluids. Materials of suitable hygienic capability may also be used, and materials which are able to endure autoclave conditions for uses such as those used in hospitals or operations requiring a high level of hygiene are also considered. Plastics materials such as polypropylene may be suitable.

Additionally, the reservoir 3 (or at least a portion thereof) may be substantially translucent or transparent to enable a user to determine the level of fluid within the reservoir. This may also be used in conjunction with volumetric measurement indicators (not shown) located on the exterior reservoir wall 10.

The dispenser unit 1 also comprises a fluid flow control means, for example a valve generally indicated by arrow 11.

The valve 11 may be positioned substantially within the spout; although it is also recognised that the valve 11 may be located at any position before the spout outlet port 7. The valve 11 may for example be a ball-check type valve (as shown in Figures 1A and 1B). Alternative similar configurations are envisaged which fulfil the requirement that the valve 11 operates at pre-determined angles from the vertical. For example, rather than a ball-check, a valve consisting of a cavity and a moveable valve member 14, able to move between a fluid blocking position 12 and a fluid flowing position 13 can be utilised, such as is shown in Figures 2 - 3C.

It is a desirable property of the valve 11 to block fluid from moving through the spout 6 when the dispensing unit 1 is positioned at a pre-determined angle to a vertical axis. Accordingly, spout blockage may be performed by the moveable valve member 14 (Figure 3A) which is capable of selectively creating a blockage in the spout 6 and preventing fluid flow.

The valve 11 allows fluid flow through the spout 6 when a fluid container is substantially vertical and the opening to the container uppermost, however, it is also envisaged that in instances of forceful fluid flow through the spout 6, movement of the item 14 to a blocking position 12 may occur. Therefore, it is envisaged that in order to allow fluid to be supplied from a fluid container, via the spout 6 to the reservoir 3, a controlled and more gentle fluid flow is required (to enable the valve 11 to operate in an open flow arrangement position such as at 13). There are advantages associated with the valve 11 when forceful flow of fluid is passing through the spout 6; in particular it ensures a user to be more circumspect in the volume of fluid being transported to the reservoir 3. This may be useful in applications where it is particularly desirable to obtain an accurate volume of fluid (for dispensing) into the reservoir 3.

In an alternative mode of operation, initiated by tilting the fluid container away from the vertical, such as is shown in Figures 1B and 3C, due to gravitational forces, movement of the moveable valve member 14 to block the spout 6 occurs. The internal configuration of the valve 11 may be arranged to promote movement of the moveable valve member 14 (i.e. by angling the internal walls of the valve to sympathetically allow the valve member moving to a blocking position 12 more easily).

This mode of operation may be desirable as it is generally at angles other than substantially vertical at which a user will intend to position the dispenser unit 1 (and reservoir) to discharge any reservoir contents. Such angles that induce valve member 14 movement other than at substantially vertical, thereby prevent additional fluid from travelling through the spout 6 and entering the reservoir 3 and subsequently discharging with an already measured volume of fluid (resulting in less accurate fluid dispensing). However, it is also generally recognised that these pre- determined angles may be angles greater than or substantially equal to 90°, relative to a vertical axis.

The valve 11 is recognised as being in a non-fluid flow blocking mode 13 of operation when the fluid container is at angles less than 90°, relative to a vertical axis.

The moveable valve member 14 moves to block fluid flow when at position 12; but allow fluid flow through the spout 6 into the reservoir 3 when at any other position. Further, moveable valve member 14 may locate itself at position 15 out of the path of fluid flow path 16 when fluid is promoted to flow up through the spout 6. The predetermined angles are angles that encourage the moveable valve member 14 to move, sometimes under gravity, and sometimes due to fluid flows forcing the moveable item; to location 12.

The valve member 14 may be of any suitable shape and/or configuration to allow the valve to operate substantially as described above; however it should be noted that it may preferably be made or constructed of materials which are denser than the fluid within which they may operate, such as metallic materials. For example, this may be a useful criteria as an item of less dense construction that the fluid it operates in, may have a tendency to float in the fluid, and subsequently rise to a blocking position 12. This may have detrimental or inhibiting effects on the operation of the valve 11. In a second embodiment, the valve member 14 may be configured as shown in Figures 2-3C, so that its tip 28 is able to plug or block the spout; and the base 29 is of a diameter less than the spout diameter, but one or more wings 30 are located about the valve member 14 to ensure that the base 29 does not block the spout. Instead, the wings 30 allow the valve member 14 to sit at a slightly raised level above the spout inlet port 4 of the valve cavity. There is also provided a nozzle 17 for channelling fluid discharge from the reservoir 3 through outlet port 5. The nozzle 17 has a base end 18 and a tip end 19. The nozzle 17 is able to extend from substantially within the reservoir 3 through the reservoir outlet port 5 to positions substantially exterior or protruding from reservoir 3. As the outside diameter of the nozzle 17 is less than the internal diameter of the reservoir outlet port 5, preferably a slight air gap is provided between the outlet port 5 and the nozzle 17.

The nozzle 17 may extend from substantially within the reservoir, through the reservoir outlet port 5 to provide a greater length of discharging ability (such as when a nozzle is required to be inserted into another container to ensure accurate discharge with less possibility of fluid spill). This nozzle may also be substantially flexible to allow a user enhanced freedom of angle for discharge.

The base 18 of the nozzle 17 may extend radially outwards to engage with and create a liquid-tight seal 20, as generally shown by the meshing of the base 18 and the internal wall 19 of the reservoir 3 when the nozzle 17 is in an extended position. The base end 18 seal 20 with the internal reservoir wall 19 prevents fluid from leaking and discharging out from the reservoir around the exterior of the nozzle 17. Indeed, to aid sealing, the base end 18 is feather edged and/or shaped and angled to be substantially sympathetic with the internal wall angle as well. Alternatively, the nozzle 17 may be provided with a radially extending lip 22 at the base end 18 of the nozzle 17 so that upon nozzle extension from within the reservoir 3, the lip 22 forms the seal 20 with the internal wall of the reservoir. This seal is required to ensure that fluid from within the reservoir 3 is directed to be discharged by the nozzle 17 rather than leaking out of the reservoir around the exterior of the nozzle 17. Further, there is provided at one or more nozzle guides 23 to help facilitate the location of the nozzle during extension from within the reservoir 3. These guides 23 also help to maintain the air gap 24 substantially around the periphery of the exterior wall of the nozzle 17 and between the outlet port 5. The air gap 24 is also provided for by ensuring that the nozzle 17 is of a lesser outside diameter than the internal diameter of the reservoir outlet port 5. It is advantageous to incorporate an air gap 24 which consequently provides a collection zone 25 bounded by the internal reservoir wall 21 , base end 18 of the nozzle 17, and the exterior surface of nozzle 17. This bounded region constitutes a collection zone 25 into which some or any fluid leaking or dripping down the external surface of the nozzle 17 collects and is subsequently drained back into the reservoir 3 upon substantial retraction of the nozzle 17 into the reservoir 3 and breaking of the seal 20.

The nozzle 17 may also be spring loaded (or similar) so that when the closure means 9 (see Figures 4A and 4B) for the reservoir outlet port 5 is removed, the nozzle 17 may automatically extend to a position substantially exterior of or protruding from the reservoir 3. A spring means 26 (not shown in Figures 2, 3B or 3C) may be seated (or anchored) upon the top of the spout outlet port 7 and engage with the base end 18 of the nozzle 17. Alternatively, the spring means 26 may be seated on the floor 27 of the reservoir, although it is also envisaged that spring means may be anchored or seated at any other position within the reservoir.

In use, it is desirable that the dispenser unit 1 and reservoir 3 may then have the closure cap removed, allowing the nozzle 17 to extend, thereby forming the seal 20, and allowing the fluid to be discharged. The fluid containers which may be connected to the dispenser unit 1 are able to be manipulated by a user to manually reduce the internal volume of the container, thereby creating internal pressure on the fluid within the container inducing the fluid to flow up the through the inlet port 4, via the valve 11 , through the spout 6 and exit into the reservoir 3. Once the reservoir has been filled to a desired volume, the user releases pressure on the fluid container, allowing the remaining fluid in the spout or valve to drain back into the fluid container via inlet port 4.

After use and/or discharge of fluid from the reservoir, the closure cap may be replaced by pushing down upon the extended nozzle 17, and also allowing any fluid collected in the collection zone 25 to drain back into the reservoir 3. Figures 1A and 1B display a ball-check type valve arrangement, whilst Figures 2-3C display an alternative embodiment in which the flow control means is a shuttle or paddle-type device. Figures 4A and 4B display examples of a dispenser unit 1, coupled to various fluid containers 31 , with a closure means in the form of a screw cap 32, or similar snap-lock or tight-fit cap.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (29)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:

1. A dispenser unit for a fluid container, including: a coupling adapted for connection to the fluid container; a reservoir having inlet and outlet ports, the reservoir inlet port adapted to receive fluid from the fluid container; a spout coupled to the inlet port of the reservoir and having a spout outlet port within said reservoir; and a fluid flow control means positioned within said spout which allows fluid flow into said reservoir and selectively blocks fluid flow through said spout upon tilting said fluid container to a pre-determined angle from the vertical.

2. A dispenser unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fluid flow control means is a ball-check type valve.

3. A dispenser unit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fluid flow control means operates to substantially block fluid flow within said spout when the dispenser unit is at an angle greater than or substantially equal to 90° from its upright position.

4. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid flow control means allows fluid flow when the dispenser unit is at an angle less than 90° from its upright position.

5. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid flow control means allows fluid flow when a predetermined fluid pressure is built up behind said fluid flow control means.

6. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said predetermined fluid pressure is sufficient to move the fluid flow control means to a substantially unblocking, or fluid flow, position.

7. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of claims 5 or claim 6, wherein said predetermined fluid pressure is insufficient to force said fluid flow control means to block the spout outlet port.

8. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser unit includes a nozzle able to extend from a first operational position substantially within the reservoir to a second operational position protruding from said reservoir.

9. A dispenser unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the nozzle is defined to have a base and a tip, wherein the second operational position is obtained when the base meshes with an internal wall in the outlet port of the reservoir.

10. A dispenser unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the internal wall and base of the nozzle is correspondingly shaped to receive one another and create a liquid-tight seal therebetween.

11. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the reservoir outlet port has at least one nozzle guide for preventing or reducing lateral movement of said nozzle when in the second position and for maintaining an air gap between said nozzle and said reservoir outlet port.

12. A dispenser unit as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the air gap created by said at least one nozzle guide provides a collection zone located between the base of the nozzle, said reservoir outlet port and the external surface of the nozzle, for collection of fluid leaking along the exterior surface of the nozzle.

13. A dispenser unit as claimed in claim 12, wherein any accumulation of fluid in said collection zone substantially drains into said reservoir upon substantial retraction of said nozzle into the reservoir.

14. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the base of the nozzle is a radially extending lip.

15. A dispenser unit as claimed in claim 14, wherein the radially extending lip featheredges, or tapers, at its periphery.

16. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spout outlet port is substantially capped by a fluid diffuser.

17. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid container is a manually squeezable and/or flexible container.

18. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal volume of said fluid container is able to be reduced manually.

19. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir has a closure cap for closing said reservoir outlet port.

20. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one claims 8 to 19, wherein a spring means engages with said nozzle for automatic nozzle extension upon removal of the closure cap from said reservoir outlet port.

21. A dispenser unit as claimed in claim 20, wherein the spring means is seated upon the reservoir inlet and/or the fluid diffuser.

22. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir has volumetric measurement indicators.

23. A dispenser unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reservoir, or at least a part of the reservoir, is constructed of a material which enables observation of fluid in said reservoir.

24. A method of dispensing fluid from a fluid container using a dispenser unit substantially as described in the first aspect, said method comprising the steps of: i. positioning the spout inlet port to receive fluid from the fluid container, and ii. manually reducing the internal volume of said fluid container by applying an inward pressure to the fluid container body to thereby induce a flow of fluid through said spout to charge said reservoir.

25. A method of dispensing fluid as claimed in claim 24, wherein said method comprises the further step of discharging the fluid from the reservoir by tilting the dispenser unit to allow fluid flow through the nozzle.

26. A method of dispensing fluid as claimed in claim 24 or claim 25, wherein said method further comprises the step of connecting the dispenser unit to the outlet of the fluid container.

27. A method of dispensing fluid as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein a volume of fluid may be supplied through said spout to charge said reservoir to a desired volume, and subsequently the fluid charged reservoir may be discharged via said reservoir outlet port.

28. A dispenser substantially as herein before described and as illustrated with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

29. A method of dispensing fluid substantially as herein before described and as illustrated with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.