CA2133194A1 - A dispenser having an improved cut off valve for viscous, liquid and other materials - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for dispensing viscous materials from a container (12), such as a pressurized or manually pressurized container, includes a normally closed leaf spring type valve (36) secured within the discharge duct (26) of the dispenser. The dispenser can be a dispensing actuator cap (10). The leaf spring bears against an inside surface of the discharge duct. The leaf spring (52) is opened by the pressure of dispensing product during actuation and closes when the container is no longer actuated. The valve can be an insert or can be formed integrally with the cap. The dispenser has a lever portion, rotation of which actuates the container valve. The lever portion (80) is defined by a slot (62). The hinge region of the lever portion is in approximately the same horizontal plane as the top of the valve stem (24), optimizing leverage on actuation.

Description

WO g4/16971 2 1 3 3 1 9 ~ PCT~Sg4/01039 A Dispenser Having a Cut Off Valve FIELD OF T}IE INVENTION
A dispenser for dispensing materials from a container and, more particularly, a one or two piece dispensing actuating cap for dispensing materials, such as liquid or viscous materials, from a container, such as a pressurized or manually pressurized container, the cap having a leaf spring valve in its discharge path which allows the passage of material on actuation of the container and otherwise cuts off the flow of material and seals the discharge duct of the cap.
BAC~GROUND OF T~E INVENTION
Toothpastes and other viscous materials have long been packaged in squeezable tubes. While generally easy to use, such tubes can be difficult to completely empty, necessitating squeezing the tube from the bottom or folding the tube over to force the remainder of the material out.
Despite such efforts, which can be annoying, much material can be left in the tube, wasting product and money. In addition, a crumpled toothpaste tube is aesthetically unpleasing. Another dispensing problem is in shaping the dispensed product for proper positioning. Squeeze tubes of toothpaste, for example, typically dispense the toothpaste in a cylindrical shape which causes the toothpaste to fall off the brush and provides much more toothpaste than needed.
2S The u~e of a screw cap, which must be removed prior to use and reattached afterwards, can àlso be annoying.
~ Many types of dispensing caps have been designed for toothpaste containers of the traditional squeeze type. One such cap, described in U.S. Patent No. 1,881,488 to Gleason, provides a resilient strip to act as a valve which closes the discharge orifice of the cap. The valve is secured to the outside top portion of a downwardly beveled tube, closing the tube by bearing against its outside edge. The SU~ UTE SHEFr (RULE 26) ; WO ~/16~1 2 13~3 1 9 4 PCT~S94/01039 ,,.

-2-valve yields to the pressure of the discharging toothpaste as the tube is squeezed. When the tube is no longer squeezed, the valve returns to its original position, again ~ closing the tube. A cover presses down on the upper end of j 5 the valve and can act as a fulcrum. Such a configuration, ¦ consisting of at least 3 parts, is unduly complex, making it I difficult to manufacture efficiently in high volume.
! Two other caps for squeezable tubes of toothpaste or other viscous materials are disclosed in U.S. Patent No.
1,472,845 to Kelley and U.S. Patent No. 1,296,884 to Volk.
Both show leaf spring type valves within the discharge passage of the cap which normally close the discharge orifice. Pressure of the dispensing product displaces the ¦ valve. When the tube is no longer being squeezed, the valve closes again. Several of the embodiments shown have regions near their discharge orifice which can collect dispensed product. Such product can dry, obstructing later movement of the valve, and can be aesthetically displeasing. Such designs are also complex.
To avoid ~ome of the problems caused by the use of squeeze tubes, alternative packaging systems have been developed. In U.S. Patent No. 4,154,371 to Kolaczinski, toothpaste and other viscous materials are packaged to di~chArg- by manually induced pressure. The dispensing cap in d ud ~ a flap 15 resiliently hinged within the product pa- g way. The flap acts~as a check valve which is forced open by~-di~charging product on actuation. When the container ig no longer~actuat-d, the restorin~ force of the flap returns it to its normally closed position, preventing the entrance of air into the container. Such an arrangement doés not prevent the drying of material remaining between the flap and the discha~rge orifice, which material may dry and cause the problems discussed above.
It would be ~esirable to dispense toothpaste and other vi~cous or liquid materials under a constant higher pre~ure. Higher pres8ure dispensing system are easy to ~ , WO 94116971 213 319 ~ ~/US94/01039 operate, especially for older and handicapped persons. They are also clean, economical and aesthetically appealing.
Such dispensing systems, however, require the use of a dispensing cap which functions to actuate the container S valve. Material left in the product duct of a dispensing cap can dry between uses, as discussed above in relation to U.S. Patent No. 4,154,371. Such dried material may be dispensed on the next use or may clog the passageway, causing serious annoyance to the user.
In one example of an actuator cap for dispensing fluid materials from a pressurized container, U.S. Patent No.
2,954,904 to Potoczky, the discharge duct of the actuator cap has a normally closed slit in its terminus. The pressure of the product being dispensed opens the slit on lS actuation. Alternatively, a plug 280 with a surface 290 which bears against the exterior edge of the discharge duct to normally close the duct, flexes slightly under the pressure of di~charging product, opening the duct. See Figures 6 and 10-12 of the '904 patent. Such a cap is intended for dispensing fluids or foaming materials.
Because of the emall, ill defined discharge opening, it ~ppears poorly cuited for dispensing certain materials, such as viscous materials, in a sufficient volume for most uses, in a controlled~manner. Such a configuration requires perfect align~ent between the flap and the terminus of the ~- discharge orifice which would make it difficult to ~anufacture in high volume within the required tolerances.

i j 8~MNARY OF ~ E INVEN~ION
In accordance with the present invention, a dispenser for viscous, liquid or other material stored within a pres~urized or ~anually pressurized container includes a means for engaging the container and a means for engaging l~ the valve ctem of the container. The dispenser further ¦ 35 includes a discharge duct for allowing product to exit the dispenser, which duct is defined by a stationary portion and WO ~llC971 2 1 3 3 1 9 ~ PCT~S94/0103s a resilient portion. The resilient portion has a normally closed position bearing against an inside surface of the stationary portion, sealing the discharge duct at its terminus, from the atmosphere. There is a means for conveying material from the valve stem of the container valve to the discharge duct of the cap. The resilient portion of the discharge duct is capable of being moved from its normally closed position by the pressure of the dispensing material during actuation of the container valve, allowing material to be dispensed. The resilient portion returns to its normally closed position when the valve is no longer actuated, cleanly cutting off the dispensed product.
The discharge duct is now sealed, preventing the product still in the duct from drying.
T~e resilient portion is preferably an insert which comprise~ a base portion which is friction fit within the duct ~e~ns for conveying material and a leaf spring depending from the base portion. Preferably, the front edge o~ the leaf spring bears against the top, stationary portion of the discharge duct. A passage in the base portion allows dispensing product to pass through the base, against the leaf spring, forcing the leaf spring open. Side surfaces depending from the leaf ~pring further improve the seal between the leaf spring and the discharge duct.
An insert for sealing a terminus of a discharge duct of a dispenser is also disclo~ed, the insert comprising a ba~e portion adapted to fit within and seal the discharge duct of the cap. The ba~e portion has a rearward wall, a forward ! wall and a top surface. The rearward and forward walls have a first and second opening, respectively, and the base portion has a passage extending from the first opening to the econd opening, through the base portion, to allow for the passage of product. An upwardly protruding leaf spring portion depends from the forward wall below the second opening. The leaf spring portion is pivotablé adjacent to the forward wall by the pressure of dispensing product. The wo ~~ ` 2 l 3 3 1 9 4 Pcr~s941~1U9 leaf spring portion bas a front edge extending beyond the top surface of the body portion. This causes the leaf spring portion to be flexed on insertion into the discharge duct, increasing the sealing force exerted by the leaf spring portion against an inside surface of the discharge duct of the container cap. The contour of the leaf spring portion matches the contour of the inside surface of the discharge duct at the point of engagement.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a di~penser for pressurized or manually pressurized containers having a valve stem comprises a circular outer wall and a means for engaging the container depending from the circular outer wall. The circular outer wall has a slot defining a lever portion. The slot has two lS adjacent portions and a connecting portion continuous with the two adjacent portions. The two adjacent portions define I a hinge region in the circular outer wall about which the ¦ lever portion can rotate. The lever portion further co~prises a tubular section defining a product-passageway with a first and ~econd end. There is a means for engaging the valve stem of the container at the first end of the tubular section, ~uch that product can enter the product passageway through the ~eans for engaging. There is also a ~eans for dispensing product from the product passageway at the second end o~ the tubular section. Means are provided for causing rotation of the lever portion to actuate the valve stem, causing product to enter the product passageway.
The hinge region i~ preferably in about the ~ame horizontal plane as thejtop of the valve stem. The adjacent portions are preferably~generally parallel and the connecting portion is preferably generally semi-circular.
~:
DE CRIPTION OF T~E DRA~ING8 Figure 1 i8 a side, cross-sectional view of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention in its normally closed position, on a container (partially shown);

WO ~/16971 2 1 3 3 1 9 4 PCT~S94101039 Figure lA is a cross-sectional view along line lA-lA of Figure l;
Figure lB is an enlarged view of the discharge duct portion of Figure l;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the dispenser along line 2-2 of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the discharge duct of the present invention, with the discharge valve removed;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the discharge valve of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a side view of the discharge valve of Figure 4;
Figure 6 is a front perspective view of the bottom of the discharge valve of Figure 4;
Figure 7 is a front perspective view of the discharge valve of Figure 4;
Figure 8 i~ a front view of the discharge duct of the dispen~er of Figure 1 in its normally closed position;
Figure 9 iB a top view of the~di~penser of Figure l;
Figure 10 i~ a side view of the dispenser of Figure 1, ~odified to receive an overcap;
Figure-11 is a per-pective~view of the discharge duct with~the discharge valve removed, of another embodiment of the~pre~ nt~invention; ~
~ ~ F1gure 12 is a 8ide view of the discharge valve for use ~;~ in th~ bodis~nt of Figure ~
Figure~13 i8 a rear~per~pective view of the discharge v~lve of~Figur~ 12; and~
,~Figuré~l4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the di-pen~ ~of Figure 1 in use dispensing toothpaste Dg~CRIP~''ION OF T~E INVENTION
Figure 1 i~ a cross-sectiona1 side view a dispenser of the pre~ent invention, such as dispensing actuator cap 10, - ~ untéd on a pre8surized oontainer 12 (shown in part) The ~; ¢ap 10 co~mprises a generally circular closed outer side wall ' W0 ~/16971 2 1 3 3 1 ~ ~ PCT~S94101039 j 14 which generally encircles the outer container bead 16 of Ithe necked-in container 12. A circular inner wall portion 118 engages the mounting cup 20 of the container 12. Figure 12 is a bottom view o-f tbe cap-10, along line 2-2, showing ¦5 the circular outer wall 14 and circular inner wall portion ¦18. The circular inner wall portion 18 has an arcuate recess 22 along the lower end of its inside surface, as shown in Figure 1. The arcuate recess 22 snaps over and engages the mounting cup 20, securing the cap 10 to the container 12. It is preferred to engage the mounting cup 20 rather than the container bead 16 because the diameter of ~ounting cups have closer manufacturing tolerances than the diameter of pressurized containers. The cap 10 can therefore be used on containers with a broad range of ~5 tolerances. The cap 10 may also be used with necked-in-containers, such as container 12, which do not have an 5 outer container bead to engage. If desired, however, the cap may be designed to engage a protruding container bead by adding an annular recess (not shown) to the inner surface of the outer circular wall 14 which may snap onto the outer container bead 16, similar to the annular recess 22 at the end of the circular inner wall portion 18.
The container 12 includes an outlet means, such as a -- 25 valve stem 24 which protrudes from the valve (not shown) situa*ed in the mounting~cup~20. The valve is preferably actuated by vertical displacement of the valve ~tem 24, but a tilt actuated valve~could be used as well. ~The container 12 can dispense in an uprigh~ or upside down orientation.
The cap~l~O of the pr~sent invention has a product passage 26 preferably défined by an essentially vertical ~-~ tube portion 28 and an~angled tube portion 30. The bottom end 28a of the vertical tube portion 28 is adapted to receive the valve stem 24. The angle of the angled tube portion 30 can be between about 20-60 and is preferably between about 30-40 from the vertical tube portion 30, WO ~116971 213 319 ~ PCT~S94/01039 which is a convenient angle for dispensing toothpaste. For other applications, other angles may be preferred.
The angled tube portion 30 has a top, stationary portion 32 and a bottom portion 34. The top portion 32 preferably extends beyond the bottom portion 34. The top portion 32 has downwardly depending side walls 32a and 32b which engage the bottom portion 34. (See Figures lA and 3) The terminus of the angled tube portion 30 preferably has a rectangular contour, although other contours, such as a cylindrical contour, may be provided as well.
The angled tube portion 30 is adapted to receive a resilient discharge valve generally designated as 36 which, in conjunction with the top portion 32, defines the normally closed discharge duct portion of the product passage 26.
The bottom portion 34 preferably has a shelf portion 38 for receiving and positioning the discharge valve 36 in the angled tube portion 30. Figure 18 is an enlarged view of the discharge duct portion of the cap lO of Figure l, better showing the components discussed above.
A~ ~hown in Figures l and 4-7, for example, the disch~rge valve 36 has a base portion 42 with a shape matching the contour of the shelf 38 and the top portion 32 of th- angled tube portion 30. In the preferred embodiment, it i~ rectangular. The horizontal dimension "Ll" and the verti¢al~dimension nL2~ of the ba~e~portion 42, as shown in Figure 3,~are preferably slightly larger than the ~ corr sponding~timensions of the region defined by the shelf ¦ portion 38~and the top portion 32 such that the base portion Will be held in position through a friction fit. The base portion 42 completely seals the product passageway 26 except - for~a~pa~age 50, which allows for product passage on actuation, as described further, beIow. The insert can be ~ecured within;the angled tube portion 30 throuqh matching protrusions and indents on the mating side walls of the two parts, or other attaching means, such as glue. Ribs 43 can be provided to improve the seal between the side walls 4l WO ~11~971 2 1 3 3 1 9 4 PCT~S~/01039 and bottom 45 of the base 42 and the corresponding surfaces of the top portion 32, as shown in Figures 4-7.
The base portion 42 has a rearward first wall 44 And a forward second wall 46, also as shown in Figures 4-7. The wall 44 will in part bear against the back wall 38a of the shelf 38, as sbown in Figures l and lb. The base portion 42 also preferably includes an extension 48 depending downwardly from the bottom of the base portion 42, proximate the second wall 46. This extension 48 acts as a stop which prevents insertion of the discharge valve 36 too far into the angled tube portion 30 of the cap lO.
The passage 50 is preferably in the top surface of the base portion 42, and extends through the base portion 42 from the first wall 44 to the second wall 46, to allow for the pas~age of dispensed product. Figure lA is a cro~s-sectional view along line lA-lA in Figure l of the discharge duct of the cap lO showing the lateral groove SO.
A resilient leaf spring portion 52 of the discharge valve-36 extends upward at an angle from a portion of the second wal} 46 below the pasgage 50. It preferably extends from the lower portion of the second wall 46 of the base 42.
When positioned within the angled portion 30 of the disch rge passage, the front portion 54 (shown in Figures 4-7) of the leaf spring 52 bears against the inside surface of the,*op portion 32 of the angled tube portion 30 with sufficient force to seal this surface, closinq the discharge passage 26, a~ shown in Figures l and lb. The leaf spring portion 52 preferably includes a pair of surfaces 56a and ,, 56blwhich depjend downwardly f~rom the side edges of the leaf ~pring 52, perpendicular,to the top s~rface of the leaf sprinq 52, as shown in Figures 6-7, for example. These surfaceg 56a'and 56b are~preferably tapered towards the front portion 54 and provide a seal with the side walls 32a and 32b of the top portion 32. This further improves the air tightness of the discharge duct of the cap lO, preventing ma*erial left withi.n the discharge passage wo g4~lC97l 2 1 3 3 1 9 ~ PCT~S94/01039 between uses from drying. These surfaces 56a and 56b also prevent product from dispensing over the sides of the leaf spring portion 52, ensuring that the product can be - dispensed in a controlled, neat manner. In addition, the surfaces 56a and 56b may be connected to the wall 46 through wall portions 57. The leaf spring 52 itself is generally not deflected enough for the sides of the spring 52 to clear the side walls 32a, 32b of the top portion 32, also preventing dispensing of product from the sides.
The length of the leaf spring portion 52 and its anqle with respect to the base 42 can be varied such that the top of the front edge 54 extends above the top of the base 42, as shown in Figure 5. This is preferred because when the discharge valve 36 is inserted into the angled tube portion 30 of the cap, the leaf spring portion 52 will be forced backward by the top portion 32. This provides initial stre~ on the leaf spring portion 52 which incre~ses the force with which the front edge 54 bears against the inside surface of the top portion 32, i~proving the seal along this ~ 20 surface. It also increases the restoring force of the leaf ¦ spring 52 during pro~uot dispen~ing, improving the closure of the valve when the container i8 no longer actuated. An angle of 20-30 from horizontal is preferred for di~pensing tooth,paste. An increased ~ngle will increase the restoring ' 25 force~of tlhe~pring while a decreased angle will lessen it.
. ~ :
, The wall~portions 57 also reinforce the leaf spring 52, ther-by~incr-a~sing~its restoring force~ Varying the ,thickness,of,the leaf~pring portion 52 of the discharge ~, , valve;36, will also vary the~restoring force. Further reinforcement, such as ribbing (not shown) extending from the front portion~54 of the leaf spring 52 toward the second -wall 46 of the base 42 of the discharge valve 36, can increase the restoring force as well~
The botto~ portion 34 of the angled tube portion 30 is integral with the outer circular side wall 14~ The side wall 14 has a slot 62 comprising two adjacent portions 62a ' j`:

WO 94/lC971 21 3 319 ~ ~S94/01039 which are preferably generally parallel to each other. A
connecting slot portion 62b, which is preferably semi-circular, connects the adjacent portions 62a. Slot 62 defines a lever portion 80, as shown in Figures 9-10. The portion of the wall within the adjacent slot portions 62a forms a hinqe region 68 for the lever portion 80, enabling actuation of the container, as is described below. The lever portion 80 of the cap 10 has an actuator means, pad 66, for receiving an operator's finger. The actuator pad 66 is proximate the top of the first portion 28 of the discharge passage 26. This location provides sufficient leverage for easy actuation by a user's finger.
The hinge portion 68 defined by the adjacent slot portion 62a is preferably in approximately the same horizontal plane 90 as the top of the valve stem 24, as ~hown in Figure 1. TAis minimizes the distance the actuator p~d must be depressed to actuate the valve of the container.
Behind the actuator pad 66 is a depending wall 72 which defines at least part of the connecting portion of the slot 62b. The member 72 closes off the interior of the cap 10, protecting the valve ~tem 24. It also gives the cap a more aesthetically pleasing appearance and prevents foreign-matter from collecting beneath the cap 10.
Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the dispenser of present invention, modified for use with an overcap 90. A shoulder 92 is provided in the circular outer w~ll 14 to support the overcap 90. The overcap 90 is secured to the dispenser 10 through a friction fit, as is known in the art.
Figures 11-13 illustrate another embodiment of the ¦~ present invention with a modification to the discharge duct 1~ of the angled tube portion 30 and discharge valve 36, which ¦ limits ~ovement of the leaf spring portion 52 on discharge I of product. As shown in Figure 11, the inside surfaces of ¦ 35 the ~ide walls 32a, 32b of the angled tube portion 30 each ¦ include a groove 33 for receiving the portions 52a, 52b. As WO ~/16~1 2 1 3 3 ~ 9~ PCT~S94/01039 shown in Figures 12-13, the leaf spring portion 52 of the discharge valve 36 includes side portions 52a, 52b, which extend beyond the side walls 41. The width of the grooves 33 limits the distance the leaf spring will be allowed to S open for discharge, effecting the rate at which product can be di~charged. The location of grooves 33 will therefore depend on the product. It has been found that this embodiment provides enhanced sealing between the leaf spring 52 and the side walls of the discharge duct. Because of this, it allows for decreased manufacturing tolerances, easing molding and manufacturability.
The dispensing cap 10 and discharge valve 36 are preferably made of a commercially available plastic, such as an olefin. The plastic should be resilient, suitable for lS molding and chemically resistant to the material to be di~pen~ed from the container. Polypropylene and polyethylene are preferred because they are inexpensive, enable high cycle times during molding, and are chemically re~i~tant to co~monly dispensed products. The plastic can be filled, ~uch as with talc or glass, for added strength and re~ilience. Engineering resins, such as certain polya~ides, polyacetyls, polycarbonates, acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene and nylon meeting the criteria of re~ilience, ea&e of molding and chemical resistance can al~o be u~ed, particularly for the discharge valve 36. If the product to be dispensed is food, the plastic ~hould be FDA approved~for food contact.
A preferred polypropylene for the cap 10 and discharge valve 36 is Pro-fax (TM) PD-701N, a high flow nucleated homopolymer resin from HIMONT Incorporated, which meets FDA
regulations for food contact.
Typical property values appear below: -Pr~p-rt~-s Pro-f~x PD-701N A8TM M~tho~
Melt Flow dg/min. 35 D1238 D-~sity, g/cm3 0.9 D792 2 1 3 3 1 9 4;
WO ~/16971 ~ ` PCT~S94101039 Flexural Modulus, 220,000 (l500) D790 psi(MPa) Tensile Strength at yield, psi (MPa) 5,l00 (3s) D638 Elongation Q Yield, % l0 D638 Deflection Temperature, F (C) @ psi (455 kPa) 250 (121) ~648 The material chosen for the discharge valve must have sufficient resilience for the leaf spring portion 52 of the discharge valve 36 to maintain its normally closed position sealing the product passage 26 and to return to its normally closed position when toothpaste is not being dispensed. The cap l0 and discharge valve 36 need not be of the same Jaterial. ~or products more viscous than toothpaste, it may be desirable to use more rigid materials, such as nylon, for the discharge valve 36. For products less viscous, such as soap, a less rigid material may be more suitable. The ability to strengthen the valve by choosing a stiffer ~aterial is an important advantage of the present invention.
To dispense toothpaste, for example, from the container 2S 12 through the dispensing ~ctuator cap of Figure l, a consu~er, hoIding tbe container in one hand, merely depres~es the actuator pad 66 with~a finger. In Figure 14, the~direction of the~force of actuation of a user's finger is~indicated by arrow "B".~ The container can be rotated to , align~with a toothbrush.~ On actuation, the-lever portion of the cap 10 rotates slightly about the hinge region 68. The lo w,r portion 28 of the product pàs~age, which is in engagement with the valve stem 24, forces the valve stem 24 into the container, opening the valve of the container 12, as is known in the art. Toothpaste stored under pressure in ~ the container 12 is then forced through the valve stem, into ¦ the product passage 26. Arrow ~C" in Figure 14 shows the direction of flow from the container (not shown) into and through the dispensing cap l0. Continued depression of the WO ~/16971 2 1 3 3 1 9 4 PCr~S~/01039 actuator pad 66 forces additional material up through the vertical and angled tube portions, 28 and 30, respectively, of the product passage 26. The toothpaste proceeds through the groove 50 of the base 42 of the discharge valve 36, against the u leaf spring portion 52 of the valve. ~he pressure of the dispensing material wedges the leaf spring 52 open, allowing the produc~ to exit the discharge region of the cap lO in a thin, smooth, rectangular layer, as shown in Figure 14. Since material is dispensed over the front portion 54 of the leaf spring 52, the user can see the product as it is dispensed, providing for more accurate placement on a toothbrush. The toothpaste can thus be easily and neatly placed in the shape of a thin rectangular ribbon on a toothbrush.
When sufficient toothpaste has been dispensed, the user releases the actuator pad 66, closing the container valve.
The restoring force of the valve stem 24 and the hinge region 68 return the lever portion 80 of the cap lO to its starting position. Since the toothpaste in the product passage 26 is no longer under the pressure of the container, it exerts little force against the leaf spring 52. The restoring force of the 1eaf spring 52 returns it to its nor~ally closed~posi*ion bearing against the inside surface of th- top portion.32 of the angled tube portion 30, as shown in Figure l. The -leaf spring 52 cleanly cuts the band ~ of toothpaste, forcing the toothpaste beneath it back behind ! the l-af spring so that there is~little or no residual ¦ toothpa~té~on any exterior surface of the discharge duct of - theicap lO. ,The front portion 54 and side surfaces 56a and 56b provide~an airtight seal along three surfaces of the disch~rge passage 26, preventing the toothpaste remaining within the product passage from drying. It is therefore fresh for the next use and will not clog the product passage. While the operation of the dispensing actuating cap of the present invention has been described with respect to toothpaste, it can also be used with other viscous, , WO ~/16971 2 1 3 3 1 9 ~. L ~ rcT~s94l0~039 liquid or other types of materials, as well. The dispensing actuator cap with the modifications shown in Figures 11-13 operates in the same way, except that the leaf spring 52 will not open as wide because its motion is restrained by grooves 33.
It is preferred that the top portion 32 be the stationary part of the discharge region. This positions the discharge valve 36 beneath the top portion 32, which protects the exposed portion of the valve 36 and is more aesthetically appealing.
The shape of the front portion 54 preferably matches the shape of the inside surface of the top portion 32 where the front edge 54 bears against it. For toothpaste, it is preferred that both surfaces be straight, resulting in a thin rectangular layer which can be neatly placed on a toothbrush on actuation. For other materials, such as foods, the front edge 54 and corresponding surface of the top portion 32 could be curved, or be of some other decos~tive shape. The product dispensed will then take on 20 the sh~pe of the matching surfaces. If the front portion 54 of~the~leaf spring is curved, a supporting rib oould be provided.~
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The;dispensing cap and insert are preferably molded ~ separately by in~ection molding or other conventional ~olding~processes, as is known in the art. Separate molding enabl-s the~discharge valve 36 to be formed such that the le~f ~pring portion 52 extends above the top of the base 42, described above, enabling its insertion under stress and increasing thle force with which it bears against the inside ~surface of the top portion 32. It also allows for the use of~different materials for the discharge valve 36 and the ~cap 10.
The dispenser of the present~invention has been d-scribed in use with a pressurized container. Any of the known barrier package systems, such as those using a piston or those referred to as a bag-in-can, may also be used.
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WO ~/16~1 21 3 31 9 4 PCT~S94/01039 See, for example, San Giovanni, Michael L., "Alternative Systems Push For Market Share," Spray Technology &
Marketing, August 1992, pp. 37-44, for a discussion of such systems. As stated above, the dispenser of the present invention can also be used with manually pressurized containers, including pump type-dispensing systems.
The dispenser of the present invention need not be a cap, but may be an integral, discharge portion of a container.

Claims (39)

I claim:

1. A dispenser for dispensing material stored within a container having an outlet means, the dispenser comprising:
a means for engaging the container;
a means for engaging the outlet means of the container;
a discharge duct for allowing product to exit the dispenser, the discharge duct being defined by a stationary portion and a resilient portion having a normally closed position bearing against an inside surface of the stationary portion, sealing the discharge duct, the resilient portion capable of being moved from its normally closed position by the pressure of dispensing material during actuation of the container, allowing material to be dispensed, and returning to its normally closed position when the container is no longer actuated;
and a duct means for conveying material from the outlet means of the container to the discharge duct of the dispenser.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the resilient portion has a base portion which is secured within the means for conveying material from the outlet means of the container to the discharge duct of the dispenser.

3. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein the base portion is friction fit within the means for conveying material.

4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the base portion has an passage through which product can pass.

5. The dispenser of claim 4 wherein the passage is a groove in a top surface of the base portion.

6. The dispenser of claim 5 wherein the resilient portion further comprises a leaf spring portion depending from the base portion, the leaf spring portion having a surface which bears against the stationary portion along a surface of engagement and the shape of the surface of the leaf spring matches the shape of the stationary portion at the surface of engagement.

7. The dispenser of claims 4 or 5 wherein the leaf spring portion depends from a portion of the base portion below the opening.

8. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the leaf spring has side edges and a pair of surfaces depending perpendicularly from the side edges, for sealing with side surfaces of the dispensing duct.

9. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the base portion has side walls and the leaf spring portion has side portions which extend beyond the side walls of the base portion, and the discharge duct has inside surfaces with grooves for receiving the side portions.

10. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the surface of the leaf spring portion which bears against the stationary portion is a front edge of the leaf spring.

11. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the leaf spring portion lies beneath the stationary portion.

12. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the resilient portion is under stress while it bears against the inside surface of the stationary portion.

13. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the leaf spring portion has reinforcing ribs.

14. The dispenser of claim 1 further comprising a circular outer wall having a slot defining a lever portion, the slot having two adjacent portions and a connecting portion continuous with the two adjacent portions, the two adjacent portions defining a hinge region in the circular outer wall about which the lever portion can rotate, wherein the means for engaging the container depending from the circular outer wall and the means for engaging the outlet means and the discharge duct are part of the lever portion.

15. The dispenser of claim 2 wherein the base portion has side and bottom surfaces which contact the means for conveying material and these surfaces have at least one sealing rib.

16. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the outlet means of the container is a valve with a valve stem and the means for engaging the outlet means engages the valve stem of the container.

17. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is adapted to dispense material from a pressurized container.

18. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is adapted to dispense material from a pump container.

19. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the means for engaging the container is integrally molded to the container.

20. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the means for engaging the outlet means is integrally molded to the outlet means.

21. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is a dispensing actuator cap.

22. An insert for sealing a terminus of a discharge duct of a dispenser, the insert comprising a base portion adapted to fit within and seal the discharge duct of the dispenser, the base portion having a rearward wall, a forward wall and a top surface, the rearward and forward walls depending from the top surface and having first and second openings, respectively, the base portion having a passage extending from the first opening to the second opening, through the base portion to allow for the passage of product; and an upwardly protruding leaf spring portion depending from the forward wall below the second opening, the leaf spring portion being pivotable adjacent to the forward wall, the leaf spring portion having a front edge extending beyond the top surface of the body portion, and a surface for engaging an inside surface of the discharge duct of the dispenser, a contour of the surface of the leaf spring portion matching the contour of inside surface of the discharge duct.

23. The insert of claim 22 wherein the first and second openings are adjacent the top surface of the body portion and the passage runs through the top surface of the body Portion.

24. The insert of claim 22 further comprising a step portion depending from a bottom surface of the body portion.

25. The insert of claim 22 wherein the leaf spring portion includes reinforcing ribbing.

26. The insert of claim 22 wherein the insert is adapted to be friction fit within the discharge duct of the dispenser.

27. The insert of claim 22 wherein the surfaces of the base portion are in contact with an inside surface of the discharge duct of the dispenser, sealing the inside surface.

28. The insert of claim 22 wherein the surfaces of the base include side and bottom walls, the walls having at least one sealing rib.

29. The insert of claim 22 wherein the surfaces of the base include side walls and the leaf spring portion extends beyond the side walls.

30. A dispenser for a container having an outlet means, the dispenser comprising:
a generally circular outer wall;
a means for engaging the container;
a means for engaging the outlet means of the container;
the circular outer wall having a slot defining a lever portion, the slot having two adjacent portions and a connecting portion continuous with the two adjacent portions, the two adjacent portions defining a hinge region in the circular outer wall about which the lever portion can rotate;
the lever portion comprising a tubular section defining a product passageway, the tubular section having a first and second end portion, the first end portion having a means for engaging the outlet means of the container at its first end such that product can enter the product passageway through the means for engaging and the second end portion having a means for product to be dispensed from the product passageway; and a means for engaging the lever portion such that force applied to the means for engagement will cause rotation of the lever portion, actuating the container, causing product to enter the product passageway.

31. The dispenser of claim 30 wherein the means for engaging the container is the circular outer wall.

32. The dispenser of claim 30 wherein the tubular section includes an essentially vertical portion proximate its first end and an essentially angled portion proximate its second end, the product passageway being defined by the vertical and angled portions.

33. The dispenser of claim 30 wherein the outlet means is a valve stem and a valve, and hinge region is in about the same horizontal plane as the top of the valve stem.

34. The dispenser of claim 30 wherein the means for product to be dispensed from the product passageway is define at least in part by a resilient means with a normally closed position sealing the product passageway, the resilient means being capable of being deflected by discharging product when the valve stem is actuated.

35. The dispenser of claim 30 wherein the dispenser is a dispensing actuator cap.

36. The dispenser of claim 30 wherein the dispenser is adapted to dispense material from a pressurized container.

37. The dispenser of claim 30 wherein the outlet means of the container comprises a valve with a valve stem and the means for engaging the outlet means engages the valve stem.

38. The dispenser of claim 31 wherein the means for engaging the container is integrally molded to the container.

39. The dispenser of claim 30 wherein the means for engaging the outlet means is integrally molded to the outlet means.