DE60303663T2 - LIQUID DISPENSER - Google Patents

Abstract

A dispenser for paste material such as gels and creams as typically used in pharmaceuticals, personal care and food products, having a discharge channel ( 31 ) consisting essentially of resilient elastomeric tube ( 3 ), with an inlet end connected to receive material from the paste material container ( 1,101,201,301 ) and an outlet end terminating in a tip with a slit-opening e.g. a duckbill valve ( 33,333,433 ). An actuating element ( 5,7,8,9,9',405 ) is mounted in the container behind the elastomeric tube ( 3 ), movable in a dispensing stroke laterally relative to the tube ( 3 ), and includes a blocking portion ( 53,253,83,93,93 ') towards the inlet end of the tube ( 3 ) which moves laterally in advance of a compression region ( 55,255,85,95,95 ') to block the tube ( 3 ) wholly or partly by squeezing it. The compression region ( 55,255,85,95,95 ') then presses along the side of the tube ( 3 ) and squeezes material from the outlet end ( 36,136,336,436,5381 ).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

These The invention relates to dispensers for flowable materials, especially for viscous liquids, such as gels and creams, typically as pharmaceuticals, Personal hygiene- and food products, and for pasty materials, like toothpaste.

BACKGROUND THE INVENTION

usually, these were donors for Pastes and gels by hand zusammenzudrückende Plastic tubes with stiff plastic nozzles. More recently, had larger paste dispensers a discharge pump at the top of a self-standing, upright container typically a cylindrical container with a base in shape a follower piston located inside the container with the consumption of the Raise product to keep the system free of air. A newer one alternative for Air-free systems is to make the paste in an emptiable Keep the bag inside an outer container.

The prior art describes the GB 1367057 a dispenser for dispensing a paste material from an inverted container having at its outlet an elongate elastic tube having a slot opening. One side of this outlet tube abuts a reaction surface. A resilient pressure body can be swayed from the opposite side to push out the paste through the tube. At its upstream end, the pressure body has a local projection to block the tube.

In EP-A-0,275,836 shows a rather similar dispenser instead of a resilient body a pair of interconnected levers, wherein the inner of the two on the outlet tube acts. The inner lever is movable with respect to the outer, with the outer of the Actuator is pressed is, and the two are over a spring connected together to provide a spring force and damage the tube to prevent.

In EP-A-0.455.431, the elastic outlet tube has a duckbill valve at their top. This is due to the vertical movement of a Pestle with an inclined contact surface pressed from the side.

• (a) eine Röhre, die ein Einlassende und ein Auslassende sowie eine elastisch verformbare Wand aufweist und einen Ausströmkanal zwischen dem Einlass- und dem Auslassende definiert;
• (b) ein Aktuatorelement, das neben der Röhre angebracht und, im Zuge eines Hubs zur Abgabe, in Bezug auf diese seitwärts bewegbar ist, um in die elastisch verformbare Wand der Röhre einzugreifen und diese seitlich zusammenzudrücken; wobei das Aktuatorelement einen Sperrabschnitt und einen Druckabschnitt aufweist, wobei sich der Sperrabschnitt im Zuge des Abgabehubs vor anderen Teilen des Aktuatorelements seitwärts bewegt, um die Röhre durch Quetschen selbiger vollständig oder teilweise abzusperren, und wobei sich der Druckabschnitt entlang der Röhre in Bezug auf den Sperrabschnitt stromabwärts erstreckt und sich im Zuge des Abgabehubs bewegt, um entlang der elastisch verformbaren Wand der Röhre Druck auszuüben; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Sperrabschnitt als ein längs angeordneter, seitlicher Vorsprung an einem elastisch biegsamen Glied bereitgestellt ist, welches einstückig mit dem Aktuatorelement ausgebildet und während des Abgabehubs in Bezug auf den Drückabschnitt desselben elastisch einziehbar ist.

In one aspect (claim 1), the present invention provides a dispenser for dispensing a flowable material from a container, the dispenser having a structure comprising:

• (a) a tube having an inlet end and an outlet end and an elastically deformable wall and defining an outflow channel between the inlet and outlet ends;
• (b) an actuator element mounted adjacent to the tube and, in a dispensing stroke, laterally movable therewith to engage and laterally compress the elastically deformable wall of the tube; wherein the actuator member has a locking portion and a pressure portion, wherein the locking portion moves laterally in the course of the dispensing stroke before other parts of the actuator element to completely or partially shut off the tube by squeezing same, and wherein the pressure portion along the tube with respect to the locking portion extends downstream and moves in the course of the discharge stroke to apply pressure along the elastically deformable wall of the tube; characterized in that the locking portion is provided as a longitudinally disposed lateral projection on an elastically flexible member integrally formed with the actuator member and elastically retractable during the dispensing stroke with respect to the pressing portion thereof.

• (a) eine Röhre, die ein Einlassende und ein Auslassende sowie eine elastisch verformbare Wand aufweist und einen Ausströmkanal zwischen dem Einlass- und dem Auslassende definiert;
• (b) ein Aktuatorelement, das neben der Röhre angebracht und, im Zuge eines Hubs zur Abgabe, in Bezug auf die Röhre seitwärts bewegbar ist, um in die elastisch verformbare Wand der Röhre einzugreifen und diese seitlich zusammenzudrücken, um bei der Verwendung ein fließfähiges Produkt im Kanal zum Austritt aus dem Auslassende des Spenders auszustoßen; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Aktuatorelement einen seitwärts bewegbaren Knopf und eine Blattfeder umfasst, wobei die Blattfeder im Knopf verankert ist und von diesem aus nach vorne vorsteht, sodass sie mit der verformbaren Wand der Röhre in Eingriff bringbar ist, wobei ein Sperrabschnitt durch einen nach vorne vorstehenden Flansch der Blattfeder bereitgestellt ist, um die Röhre zu ihrem Einlassende hin einzudrücken, und wobei ein Drückabschnitt durch einen flachen Blattfederabschnitt bereitgestellt ist, der sich vom Sperrabschnitt stromabwärts erstreckt, wodurch der Sperrabschnitt, im Zuge des Abgabehubs des Aktuatorelements, die Röhre zu ihrem Einlassende hin zusammendrückt, bevor diese stromabwärts durch den Drückabschnitt zusammengedrückt wird.

Another aspect of the invention (claim 16) is a dispenser for dispensing a flowable material from a container, the dispenser having a structure comprising:

• (a) a tube having an inlet end and an outlet end and an elastically deformable wall and defining an outflow channel between the inlet and outlet ends;
• (b) an actuator element mounted adjacent to the tube and, in a dispensing stroke, laterally movable relative to the tube for engaging and laterally compressing the elastically deformable wall of the tube to form a flowable product in use in the channel to exit the outlet end of the dispenser; characterized in that the actuator element comprises a sideways movable knob and a leaf spring, wherein the leaf spring is anchored in the knob and protrudes forwardly therefrom so as to be engageable with the deformable wall of the tube, with a locking portion through one forward protruding flange of the leaf spring is provided to push the tube towards its inlet end, and wherein a pressing portion is provided by a flat leaf spring portion which extends downstream from the locking portion, whereby the locking portion, in the course of the discharge stroke of the actuator element, the tube to its inlet end Compresses before this is compressed downstream by the pressing portion.

A Dispenser pack containing a container for a flowable product and an above, on the container attached dispenser forms another aspect.

The Actuator element can by sliding or swiveling in Reference to the tube laterally be movable to intervene in the deformable wall and this collapse laterally.

The deformable wall and preferably the entire tube wall (in the periphery) are optional made of an elastically deformable material, for. B. one Elastomer. The thickness and the material of the deformable tube is possibly taking into account the viscosity of the material to be dispensed and the flow properties selected upstream to sufficient elasticity for the recovery to provide the deformable wall to sleep so that the discharge channel be refilled through the inlet section after each delivery can. The tube can be a cylindrical cross-section or another, for example an elongated one Cross-section, wherein an elongated cross-section per gebebenen actuating (along the minor axis) a larger volume dosage allows.

For the efficient Operation, it is of course desirable that the resistance to the along the river through the outlet less than the resistance to the backflow through the inlet. For this purpose, an intake valve function provided by a deformable wall portion of the delivery tube, the Upstream provided on the aforesaid deformable wall, thus provided is that he shifts (by the same effect that squeezes the tube as well) around the tube upstream of the compressed Area completely or partially shut off, thereby allowing backflow through the inlet inhibit or prevent while the Tube is compressed.

This happens by a lock section, z. B. a longitudinal side Projection, an actuator element is provided, as suggested above was placed around the deformable wall at a relatively upstream location Move in an initial phase of the operating stroke to the backflow partly or completely shut off the rest of the Betätigungshubs the tube downstream of the Lock gradually squeezed to to expel the material through the outlet.

Independently of, whether the lock is generated to the inlet side is general preferred that the effect of the actuating element or elements Such is that in a certain phase of the Betätigungshubs (preferably longer than the half its extent) the degree of squeezing the tube slowly decreases along the same in the downstream direction, what the forward flow benefits.

Around to keep the system free of air and for effective activation to achieve is a Ausströmventilunktion desirable at the outlet end. For the sake of simplicity, the inventors prefer that it should do so the elastic deformability of the delivery tube wall is provided. Therefore, the formation of an outflow opening in the form of a slot in the delivery tube wall, more preferably, a forward facing slot on one Nozzle tip, z. As a duckbill training, practical and effective.

The Slit valve preferably forms the final outflow opening of the Donor.

Become Taking all these points of view together gives the preferred Version of the suggestions the inventor of a dispenser according to claim 1 or 16, z. B. a donor for a paste material, such as for Gels and creams, which are typically used as pharmaceuticals, personal care and food products are used, with an outflow channel, the essentially a flexible elastomeric tube having an inlet end, that with the product container for receiving material from this preferably directly, so not one Inlet directional valve, connected. In addition, it has an outlet end on, in a tip with a slot-shaped opening, z. B. a duckbill valve, ends. An actuator element is mounted in the dispenser adjacent to the elastomeric tube, to be laterally movable in the course of a delivery stroke with respect to the tube and the tube compress. The actuator element has a locking portion toward the inlet end of the tube which moves sideways in front of the other parts of the actuator element, around the tube by squeezing this partially or completely shut off. The actuator element has a push area which extends downstream with respect to the barrier portion and preferably in the flow direction elongated is, and that is shaped and mounted so that it is led inwards to along the side of the tube To exercise pressure and the material from the outlet opening push out.

Preferably, such an actuator element is pivotally mounted in the dispenser, for. B. extending downstream along the tube with respect to the fulcrum. This can enhance the effect tending to push the material. In addition or alternatively, an engagement surface be inclined away from the tube of the actuator, so that the compression initially closer to the inlet than at the outlet is greater.

Of the Barrier portion of the actuator element may be separate from the pressing portion, the product from the tube suppressed, be educated. these can even be arranged on elements that are separate, but move together. A construction according to the present invention can be an upstream arranged locking portion and a downstream arranged pressing portion one piece on one and the same component. It can do this be a component that is at the inlet end of the outflow channel is pivoted. The locking portion is in relation to the pressing portion elastically retractable so that the actuator element pivots further is going to the tube deform gradually, the lock section not with too greater Force pushes into the tube wall and if necessary damaged and / or prevents further movement of the actuator.

Of the Dispenser may use an actuator element, preferably a has immovable reaction abutment, which the outflow of the opposite Side out, or he can be opposite, Use movable actuator elements to move the tube dynamically from both sides to squeeze out.

Any / Actuator element (s) can for the direct manual Exposure or over an actuating mechanism, z. B. a lever or a Gleitme mechanism, with the one or the several discreet, by hand engageable element (s) to be connected.

Of the product container (a pack that consists of a dispenser at the top a filled one or unfilled container attached, forms an aspect of the invention) is preferably evacuated or volume adjustable with an emptying bag or a Follower piston. It can but also other container types chosen become. The dispenser can be used either upright or vice versa become.

One Advantage of providing a slot or a duckbill valve at the outlet is the ability to to separate the dispensed product cleanly. A duckbill valve has a relatively pointed convex shape at its tip, whereby only a small front surface is present, can adhere to the dried residues.

One Another advantage that can be achieved with this system consists in that the product with the relatively movable, discrete parts or metal parts not in contact which reduces the risk of pollution. Avoidance Metal parts can also facilitate recycling.

Yet an advantage of dispensing the product by simply compressing the tube is that the strips are given the pastes, despite the delivery in maintain good condition, unlike piston-cylinder pump dispensers, where the stripes destroyed be when conventional valves be used. It should be noted that when using a Disposable follower piston in the container (For example, with a pawl, which engages in the container wall to a To prevent reverse movement) on an intake valve function on Donor intake can be dispensed with.

Of the Dispenser may be provided with a closure component at the inlet end be, z. B. a hinged lid or a screw cap. These can on a conventional container be installed, yes even on an ordinary toothpaste tube instead their normal screw cap.

The deformable tube can be as one piece with a cap or a lid over the top of a product container be formed and optionally (integrally) comprise a sealing edge, around the top of the container, z. B. a cylindrical plastic container, a sealed To provide intervention.

SUMMARY THE DRAWINGS

embodiments The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings described in which:

1 an axial cross section of a dispenser package as an embodiment of the invention;

2 the donor 1 at the end of a delivery stroke;

3 an axial cross-section of a second dispenser package embodying the invention;

4 (a) the top of the donor 3 shows at the end of a delivery stroke while 4 (b) a design variant illustrated at the bottom of the pack;

the 5 (a) to (d) show an actuator button as a plan view, oblique view, side view and front view, respectively;

the 6 (a) and (b) a front and a front Side view of an elastomer dispensing tube unit, which in the 1 and 2 is shown;

the 7 (a) and (b) are front and side views of an alternative embodiment of the elastomer dispensing unit;

8th an oblique view from the front of the dispensing part in the 3 and 4 (a) is shown arrangement;

9 and 10 axial cross-sections representing a fourth embodiment of a dispenser with opposite actuating levers before and after the dispensing stroke (but shown separately from a container);

11 and 12 schematic axial cross sections of a fourth embodiment of the dispenser with opposing actuating levers, before and after the dispensing stroke (but shown separately from the container);

13 and 14 axial cross sections of an alternative embodiment of the dispenser package with and without a properly placed toothpaste tube;

15 an exploded view of the components in the 13 and 14 shown dispenser pack is;

16 Figure 3 is an axial cross section of an alternative embodiment of the dispenser package;

17 an exploded view of the components of in 16 shown dispenser pack is; and

the 18 and 19 axial cross sections of alternative embodiment of the dispenser package are.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the 1 and 2 a donor pack is shown which is designed to toothpaste in the interior 8th a container 1 to keep. In this embodiment, the container consists of an emptying, impermeable bag 1 in a rigid plastic casing 1' with a hole running through its base 11 is housed. This is a known method of storing viscous, air-sensitive products; the bag 1 deflates slowly by dispensing the product while the outer casing 1' this protects and carries.

A pumping arrangement is at the top of the container 1 attached, essentially from one above the opening of the container 1 attached elastomer dispensing tube unit 3 a housing body 2 , the tube unit 3 in relation to the container casing 1' racks and carries as well as a movable actuator button 5 which is at the side of the tube unit 3 is appropriate exists.

The tube unit is in 6 shown alone. This is a one-piece elastomeric molded product, for. Example of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer having a cylindrical side wall 32 which is inclined away from the upright axis of the dispenser package. The tip of the tube goes into a so-called duckbill valve 33 across, through opposing, converging surfaces 35 leading to a linear outlet slot 36 lead, is formed. In known manner, this opens quickly to allow the exit of the paste (arrow A, 2 ), and a negative pressure behind the outlet cooperates with the elasticity of the material so that the slot 36 contracts to a tight seal and forms an airtight seal.

The base of the cylindrical tube 32 is as an integrated, annular cap 34 with an upwardly opening U-shaped channel 35 issued. In the assembled package (see 1 and 2 ) this fits down into a thickened placement ring 13 the emptying bag, which in turn itself into a placement groove 12 at the top of the container casing 1' fits. The lower edge of the body cover 2 has an annular projection which extends down into the U-shaped channel 35 fits in conjunction with a snap engagement between the cover 2 and the sheath 1' keep the arrangement closed.

This creates a sealed, open communication between the container interior 8th and the cylindrical outflow channel 31 in the elastomer tube 32 passing through the slit valve at the top end 33 is closed.

The body 2 provides a cover or housing with an eccentric top opening 23 ready through which the elastomeric tube protrudes. The body 2 also provides a tilted, inner abutment 26 ready on one side of the tube 32 is applied. Opposite the abutment points the case or the body 2 a side opening 24 on which the actuator surface 51 of the actuator element 5 vacant. Will the 1 and 2 together with 5 considered, it can be seen that it is the actuator element 5 is a one-piece plastic unit, which via pins 52 pivotable on both sides of the nozzle unit are solidified (see also 8th in which the catches 15 for receiving the pins 52 are shown). The element 5 can then between the in the 1 and 2 pivoted positions are shown by its actuator surface 51 is pressed.

The actuating surface (front surface) of the element 5 has two consecutively arranged, depending down arms 54 . 57 on. The front arm 54 forms a generally flat engagement surface 55 out. The back arm 57 stands over the lower edge of the first arm 54 downwards and carries a forward projecting flange 53 , The poor 54 . 57 are in relation to each other and to the actuator surface 51 elastically flexible. At rest ( 1 ) are the dimensions of the elements and the positioning of the pivot joints 52 . 15 such that the forwardly projecting flange 53 a lower part of the elastomeric tube wall 32 as in 2 shown impressed. The tube channel 31 but remains essentially open in this area, and the bulk of the tube interior 31 above is completely open.

Will now be the actuator 5 forward to the position 2 pressed down, so the lower part of the tube 32 through the protruding flange 53 initially pressed further. Now assuming an initial state in which the container and the nozzle channel 31 filled with paste, so the effect is generated that the "escape route" from the outflow 31 back into the container interior 8th tends to be blocked. Will the button 5 even further advanced, so the extent of this lock increases, at the same time becomes the front engagement surface 55 of the front arm 57 in an increasingly strong pressure drifting with the tube wall 32 pivoted; the opposite abutment 26 responds to these forces, so that the inner outflow channel 31 is gradually compressed and the nozzle tip 33 maintains her position. By flattening the canal 31 the paste is expelled from the nozzle tip (arrow A in 2 ) until the button 5 reaches the limit of his stroke. During the stroke, the triggers on the end of the forward flange 53 acting force the bending deformation of the arm carrying the flange 57 to the rear, based on the element 5 surrounding parts, from. The flexibility prevents excessive forces from being applied to the tube wall and inhibiting the movement of the button.

When the button is released, the elastic re-expansion of the tube wall presses 32 the button back to its original position and creates a negative pressure, the paste material from the container interior 8th upwards into the nozzle interior 31 pulls, causing the bag 1 is slightly emptied and collapses to compensate for this, and air through the vent hole 11 in the space between the bag 1 and the sheath 1' penetrates.

This dispensing operation offers some advantages, in particular the avoidance of discrete springs of the metal parts in the product path, the absence of discrete valve parts and the nevertheless provided positive displacement pumping effect due to the valve effect of the flange 53 ,

The 3 and 4 show some variants in which the pumping action corresponds to that of the first embodiment. The embodiment of 3 has the same cylindrical elastomer tube 32 and its duckbill valve 33 as previously described, but here the lower end stops are short and not flared to form a cap. The container is a hard plastic container 101 with a sliding follower piston 102 , which forms a sealing base forming a movable base 103 includes. The top of the container is through a flat top wall 104 with a sloping neck 105 on which the lower end of the cylindrical elastomer tube 32 tightly fitted, closed. In this embodiment, an abutment structure 126 for supporting the tube 32 as from the tank roof 104 formed upwardly projecting projections; see also 8th in which this embodiment is shown. The rest 15 for the panning button can also be on the roof 104 be formed while in the first embodiment from the edge of the housing 2 protrude inwards. Out 8th it turns out that the abutment 126 do not have to provide an extended surface around the tube 32 adequately support. For this three edge interventions are sufficient.

Out 3 shows that the follower disc issued a downward sealing edge 103 which allows the escape of small amounts of air during the filling of the package.

4 (a) shows the top of the in 3 shown donor at the end of a delivery hub. The process is the same as in the first embodiment, except that the tube 32 along the top of the neck 105 must be deformed. In this embodiment, the housing is used 2 primarily for carrying the rubber nozzle 33 as well as aesthetic purposes.

4 (b) shows an alternative follower design in which the sealing edges 203 the follower plate does not allow the escape of entrapped air and instead a central vent hole 205 is provided.

7 shows an alternative construction of the delivery tube 132 , which is suitable for the delivery of larger volumes, without the stroke of Aktuatorele ments 5 to reinforce. This is achieved by the cross section of the tube 133 is generally elongated, with the larger dimension W is transverse to the stroke and the smaller dimension D runs along the stroke. The nozzle outlet, however, is the same size as before.

The 9 and 10 show a further embodiment in which instead of a against a fixed abutment 26 acting swing button 5 the dispenser a pair of similar pivotable buttons 5 on both sides of the delivery tube 32 to counteract each other. Here is the tube 32 upright (axial to the tank), and the buttons 5 are identical. Such a construction optionally allows a greater relative displacement of the tube wall through the lower flanges (a stronger inlet valve displacement function) and further advances pushing of the material along the tube channel 31 in the downstream direction when the elements 5 swing together. The body case 2 has a pair of corresponding openings 24 on to the two buttons 5 to be released.

The 11 and 12 show another variant. Here is the squeezable rubber delivery tube 232 on an upper neck 205 a screw cap 206 attached, which can be brought freely from one container to another, for example, an ordinary toothpaste tube. This embodiment comprises an indirect actuating mechanism for the actuator elements 215 , A surrounding case 202 has an upper pivot joint 71 on, so a pair of opposing actuator lever 7 can be pivoted to move between a raised and lowered position, shown in the 11 and 12 to be swung. A common lower swivel joint 215 serves to attach the lower ends of a pair of opposing actuator elements 215 each having an inwardly bent support arm 256 and a middle, forwardly projecting portion 255 include that for pressing the respective side of the tube 232 suitable is. The initial tilt of the actuator sections 255 bring their lower ends 253 initially engaged with the lower part of the tube 232 to provide an intake valve effect by partially locking the lower end. The upper ends of the support elements 256 penetrate into depressions on the undersides of the operating lever 7 and are there for the necessary freedom of movement in slideways 72 held. The lever mechanism brings a significant mechanical advantage and makes the use suitable for children.

The 13 . 14 and 15 show a further embodiment in which the pumping mechanism works differently than in the previous embodiments. The tube 3 with the deformable wall and the duckbill valve is the same as above, except that the lower end has an annular projection 336 having. The tube 3 fits exactly over an inner socket 61 a container cap 6 , wherein the annular projection 336 the tube 3 on a flat upper section 62 the container cap 6 abuts. The cap has a side wall 63 with horizontal sections 64 on to between a rigid container casing 201 ' and the housing body 2 to be arranged. The inner neck 61 has an internal thread 65 on, which has such dimensions that the container cap 6 directly the cap of a compressible container containing a paste or gel, e.g. As an ordinary toothpaste tube, can replace. 14 shows the arrangement with a correctly plated toothpaste tube 201 ,

The one-piece, movable actuator element 5 of the previous embodiments, the two downwardly depending arms 54 . 57 is through a laterally movable knob 80 and a leaf spring 81 replaced. The leaf spring 81 has a forwardly projecting flange 83 which acts as a barrier to the lower part of the deformable tube wall 332 depress. Above this flange 83 is a flat, vertical section 85 to squeeze the tube and expel this flowable product through the duckbill valve 333 provided. A horizontal upper section 84 the leaf spring 81 is in the gap between two closely spaced protrusions 801 the inner wall of the operating knob 80 arranged.

16 and 17 show a further embodiment in which the pumping action again differs from the previous embodiments. The dispenser structure is on a container with a follower piston 302 attached. Will the tube by the operation of a pressing element 405 compressed, then, when to open the duckbill valve 433 Required force less than that for pressing the follower piston 302 force behind is the product through the duckbill opening 436 output. A specific or discrete locking section or inlet valve at the inlet end of the tube 3 is therefore not necessary.

The 18 and 19 show further embodiments in which the tube 3 through a tube 3 is made in a two-phase molding process and comprises sections of a deformable material X and sections of a rigid material Y. The tube comprises a deformable wall 523 from the deformable material X. An actuator element 9 . 9 ' is behind the deformable wall 532 arranged to deform them similarly as in the previous embodiments of the invention. An annular elastomeric element 538 with a center hole 5381 and a resiliently biased rigid valve member 539 which the hole 5381 covering, together make an outlet valve for the tube 3 ready. Instead, as in the previously described embodiments, a duckbill valve may be provided at the outlet end, it being understood that various other types of outlet valves are equally suitable.

The remaining parts of the tube 3 including the exhibited part 534 at the base of the tube 3 , are made of the rigid material Y. The use of a two-phase molding process to make such a tube is significantly cheaper than the fabrication of a full elastomer tube because injection molded elastomeric materials are rather costly.

The 18 and 19 show further design variants for the movable actuator element 9 . 9 ' for providing lateral deformation of the deformable wall of the tube 3 , In both examples, in contrast to the previously described embodiments (for example, in US Pat 5c )) the fulcrum 92 . 92 ' of the actuator element adjacent to the outlet end of the tube 3 ,

A lock section 93 . 93 ' is provided at the bottom of the actuator element, around the inlet end of the deformable wall of the tube 3 depress, and thus serves as an inlet valve. 18 shows the lock section 93 which is of a flexible, semicircular section 931 of the actuator element 9 protrudes. This flexibility prevents excessive forces from being applied to the tube wall during use and inhibiting complete movement of the actuator element. 19 shows the lock section 93 ' , by a flexible tube section 931 ' , as a variant of the semi-circular section described above 93 , projects.

The actuator elements from the 18 and 19 have a different structure. 18 shows an actuator element 9 , which has an arcuate press section 95 which, when rotating around the fulcrum 92 a flexible lead 94 that part of the rigid issued part 534 at the base of the tube 2 extends out so pushes that its flat front surface 96 on the deformable wall 532 the tube 3 is applied. Such a construction allows the progressive pushing out of the material in the downstream direction.

This in 19 illustrated actuator element comprises a push arm as a flexible arm 95 ' extending upwardly from an upstream area and a flat front surface 96 ' for engaging in the deformable wall 532 the tube 3 when the actuator element is about the fulcrum 92 ' rotates. Such a construction allows the progressive pushing out of the material in the downstream direction.

Claims (19)

A dispenser for dispensing a flowable material from a container, the dispenser having a structure comprising: (a) a tube ( 3 ) having an inlet end and an outlet end and an elastically deformable wall and an outflow channel ( 31 defined between the inlet and outlet ends; (b) an actuator element ( 5 ) mounted adjacent to the tube and laterally movable with respect to it in the course of a delivery stroke; to engage in the elastically deformable wall of the tube and compress it laterally; wherein the actuator element comprises a blocking section ( 53 ) and a pressing section ( 54 . 55 ), wherein the locking portion moves laterally in the course of the discharge stroke in front of other parts of the Aktuatorelements to shut off the tube completely or partially by squeezing the same, and wherein the pressing portion ( 54 . 55 ) along the tube with respect to the locking portion ( 53 extending downstream and moving in the course of the discharge stroke to apply pressure along the elastically deformable wall of the tube; characterized in that the locking portion as a longitudinally arranged, lateral projection on an elastically flexible member ( 57 ) which is integrally formed with the actuator member and elastically retractable during the discharge stroke with respect to the pressing portion thereof. A dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the actuator element a one-piece Plastic unit, which the member which carries the locking portion, in one-piece training comprising a second member forming the pressing portion, and an actuator surface having. A dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the member having the Wearing barrier section, behind the link, which is the press section forms lies. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator element for a direct manual Intervention is exposed. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a stationary reaction abutment on the opposite side of the tube from the actuator element to the tube entge support the effect of the actuator. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an additional Actuator element opposite the actuator element on the opposite Side of the tube, that in relation to the tube sideways is movable so that the tube between the actuator and the additional actuator element is compressible. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet end of the tube a slot opening having both an outflow opening as also a discharge valve of the donor. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outlet end of the tube has a duckbill valve design that conforms to the deformable Wall of the tube one piece is formed and the outflow opening of the Donor forms. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube a one-piece Elastomer unit is. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a cap for a container at its inlet end. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first and a second of the said actuator elements ( 5 . 7 ) opposed to each other on opposite sides of the tube, the actuator elements being laterally movable with respect to the tube in a dispensing stroke to deform the tube therebetween and thereby compress the outflow channel to provide a flowable product contained therein eject the outlet end. A dispenser according to claim 11, wherein each of the actuator elements an elastically flexible member having a longitudinal, lateral Bears the lead, which forms the barrier section, and another member, the pressing portion forms, includes. A dispenser according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein each the actuator elements made of a one-piece plastic unit which includes the links and a manually engageable actuator surface. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator element (s) is / are pivotally mounted in the dispenser. Dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the pivotable (s) Attachment (s) to the input end of the tube adjacent / border. A dispenser for dispensing a flowable material from a container, the dispenser having a structure comprising: (a) a tube ( 3 ) having an inlet end and an outlet end and an elastically deformable wall and an outflow channel ( 31 defined between the inlet and outlet ends; (b) an actuator element ( 5 ) mounted adjacent the tube and, in the course of a dispensing stroke, laterally movable relative to the tube to engage and laterally compress the elastically deformable wall of the tube to provide, in use, a flowable product in the exit channel eject from the end of the dispenser; characterized in that the actuator element ( 5 ) a sideways movable button ( 80 ) and a leaf spring ( 81 ), wherein the leaf spring is anchored in the button and projects forward therefrom, so that it with the deformable wall of the tube ( 232 ) is engageable with a locking portion by a forwardly projecting flange ( 83 ) of the leaf spring is provided to push the tube towards its inlet end, and wherein a pressing portion is defined by a flat leaf spring portion (Fig. 85 ), which extends downstream from the locking portion, whereby the locking portion, in the course of the discharge stroke of the actuator ( 5 ), compress the tube toward its inlet end before compressing it downstream through the push section. Dispenser package comprising a container for a flowable product and a dispenser according to any one of the preceding claims, on the container is appropriate. The dispensing package of claim 17, wherein the container is evacuated or volume adjustable, and an emptying bag or having a follower piston. Toothpaste dispenser package according to one of claims 17 or 18th