WO1994016971A1

WO1994016971A1 - A dispenser having a cut off valve

Info

Publication number: WO1994016971A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/001039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel A. Ferrara, Jr.
Original assignee: Precision Valve Corp
Current assignee: Precision Valve Corp
Priority date: 1993-01-29
Filing date: 1994-01-27
Publication date: 1994-08-04
Anticipated expiration: 1995-07-29
Also published as: CA2133194A1; AU6098294A; EP0633860A1; EP0633860A4

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

A Dispenser Having a Cut Off Valve

FIELD OP THE 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.

BACKGROUND OF THE 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. The use of a screw cap, which must be removed prior to use and reattached afterwards, can also 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 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 the valve and can act as a fulcrum. Such a configuration, consisting of at least 3 parts, is unduly complex, making it 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 some 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 discharge by manually induced pressure. The dispensing cap includes a flap 15 resiliently hinged within the product passageway. The flap acts as a check valve which is forced open by discharging product on actuation. When the container is no longer actuated, the restoring force of the flap returns it to its normally closed position, preventing the entrance of air into the container. Such an arrangement does not prevent the drying of material remaining between the flap and the discharge orifice, which material may dry and cause the problems discussed above.

It would be desirable to dispense toothpaste and other viscous or liquid materials under a constant higher pressure. Higher pressure dispensing system are easy to 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 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 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 discharging 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 small, ill defined discharge opening, it appears poorly suited for dispensing certain materials, such as viscous materials, in a sufficient volume for most uses, in a controlled manner. Such a configuration requires perfect alignment between the flap and the terminus of the discharge orifice which would make it difficult to manufacture in high volume within the required tolerances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a dispenser for viscous, liquid or other material stored within a pressurized or manually pressurized container includes a means for engaging the container and a means for engaging the valve stem of the container. The dispenser further includes a discharge duct for allowing product to exit the dispenser, which duct is defined by a stationary portion and 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. The resilient portion is preferably an insert which comprises a base portion which is friction fit within the duct means for conveying material and a leaf spring depending from the base portion. Preferably, the front edge of 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 spring 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 disclosed, the insert comprising a base portion adapted to fit within and seal the discharge duct of the cap. The base 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 second 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 pivotable adjacent to the forward wall by the pressure of dispensing product. The leaf spring portion has 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 dispenser 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 adjacent portions and a connecting portion continuous with the two adjacent portions. The two adjacent portions define a hinge region in the circular outer wall about which the lever portion can rotate. The lever portion further comprises a tubular section defining a product-passageway with a first and second end. There is a means for engaging the valve stem of the container at the first end of the tubular section, such that product can enter the product passageway through the means for engaging. There is also a means for dispensing product from the product passageway at the second end of 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 is preferably in about the same horizontal plane as the top of the valve stem. The adjacent portions are preferably generally parallel and the connecting portion is preferably generally semi-circular.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of a dispenser in accordance with the present invention in its normally closed position, on a container (partially shown) ; Figure IA is a cross-sectional view along line 1A-1A of Figure 1;

Figure IB is an enlarged view of the discharge duct portion of Figure 1; Figure 2 is a bottom view of the dispenser along line 2-2 of Figure 1;

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 is a front view of the discharge duct of the dispenser of Figure 1 in its normally closed position;

Figure 9 is a top view of the dispenser of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a side view of the dispenser of Figure 1, modified to receive an overcap;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the discharge duct with the discharge valve removed, of another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 is a side view of the discharge valve for use in the embodiment of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a rear perspective view of the discharge valve of Figure 12; and

Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispenser of Figure 1 in use dispensing toothpaste.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view a dispenser of the present invention, such as dispensing actuator cap 10, mounted on a pressurized container 12 (shown in part) . The cap 10 comprises a generally circular closed outer side wall 14 which generally encircles the outer container bead 16 of the necked-in container 12. A circular inner wall portion 18 engages the mounting cup 20 of the container 12. Figure 2 is a bottom view o-f the cap-10, along line 2-2, showing 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 mounting 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 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 valve stem 24 which protrudes from the valve (not shown) situated in the mounting cup 20. The valve is preferably actuated by vertical displacement of the valve stem 24, but a tilt actuated valve could be used as well. The container 12 can dispense in an upright or upside down orientation. The cap 10 of the present invention has a product passage 26 preferably defined 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, 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 IA 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 IB is an enlarged view of the discharge duct portion of the cap 10 of Figure 1, better showing the components discussed above. As shown in Figures 1 and 4-7, for example, the discharge valve 36 has a baεe portion 42 with a shape matching the contour of the shelf 38 and the top portion 32 of the angled tube portion 30. In the preferred embodiment, it is rectangular. The horizontal dimension "LI" and the vertical dimension "L2" of the base portion 42, as shown in Figure 3, are preferably slightly larger than the corresponding dimensions 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 passage 50, which allows for product passage on actuation, as described further, below. The insert can be secured within the angled tube portion 30 through 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 41 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 shown 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 10.

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 passage of dispensed product. Figure IA is a cross-sectional view along line 1A-1A in Figure 1 of the discharge duct of the cap 10 showing the lateral groove 50.

A resilient leaf spring portion 52 of the discharge valve-36 extends upward at an angle from a portion of the second wall 46 below the passage 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 discharge passage, the front portion 54 (shown in Figures 4-7) of the leaf spring 52 bears against the inside surface of the top portion 32 of the angled tube portion 30 with sufficient force to seal this surface, closing the discharge passage 26, as shown in Figures 1 and lb. The leaf spring portion 52 preferably includes a pair of surfaces 56a and 56b which depend downwardly from the side edges of the leaf spring 52, perpendicular to the top surface of the leaf spring 52, as shown in Figures 6-7, for example. These surfaces 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 10, preventing material left within the discharge passage 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 angle 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 stress on the leaf spring portion 52 which increases the force with which the front edge 54 bears against the inside surface of the top portion 32, improving the seal along this surface. It also increases the restoring force of the leaf spring 52 during product dispensing, improving the closure of the valve when the container is no longer actuated. An angle of 20-30° from horizontal is preferred for dispensing toothpaste. An increased angle will increase the restoring force of the spring while a decreased angle will lessen it. The wall portions 57 also reinforce the leaf spring 52, thereby increasing its restoring force. Varying the thickness of the leaf spring 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 bottom 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 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 hinge 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 shown in Figure 1. This minimizes the distance the actuator pad 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 stem 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 wall 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 of the angled tube portion 30 and discharge valve 36, which limits movement of the leaf spring portion 52 on discharge of product. As shown in Figure 11, the inside surfaces of the side walls 32a, 32b of the angled tube portion 30 each include a groove 33 for receiving the portions 52a, 52b. As 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 open for discharge, effecting the rate at which product can be discharged. The location of grooves 33 will therefore depend on the product. It has been found that thiε 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 dispenεing cap 10 and diεcharge valve 36 are preferably made of a commercially available plastic, such as an olefin. The plastic should be resilient, suitable for molding and chemically resistant to the material to be dispensed from the container. Polypropylene and polyethylene are preferred because they are inexpensive, enable high cycle times during molding, and are chemically resiεtant to commonly diεpenεed productε. The plaεtic can be filled, such as with talc or glasε, for added strength and resilience. Engineering resinε, εuch aε certain polyamideε, polyacetyls, polycarbonates, acrylonitrilebutadienestyrene and nylon meeting the criteria of resilience, ease of molding and chemical resiεtance can alεo be used, particularly for the discharge valve 36. If the product to be dispenεed is food, the plastic should 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: Properties Pro-fax PD-701N ASTM Method Melt Flow dg/min. 35 D1238

Density, g/cm.3 0.9 D792 Flexural Modulus, 220,000 (1500) D790 psi(MPa)

Tensile Strength at yield, psi (MPa) 5,100 (35) D638

Elongation @ Yield, % 10 D638

Deflection Temperature, °F (°C) @ psi (455 kPa) 250 (121) D648

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 dispenεed. The cap 10 and discharge valve 36 need not be of the same material. For products more viscouε than toothpaste, it may be desirable to use more rigid materialε, εuch aε nylon, for the diεcharge valve 36. For productε leεε viscous, such as soap, a leεε rigid material may be more suitable. The ability to strengthen the valve by choosing a stiffer material iε an important advantage of the present invention. To dispense toothpaste, for example, from the container 12 through the dispenεing actuator cap of Figure 1, a consumer, holding the container in one hand, merely depresεeε 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 lower portion 28 of the product pasεage, which is in engagement with the valve stem 24, forceε the valve stem 24 into the container, opening the valve of the container 12, as is known in the art. Toothpaste stored under presεure in the container 12 iε then forced through the valve εtem, into the product paεεage 26. Arrow "C" in Figure 14 εhows the direction of flow from the container (not shown) into and through the dispensing cap 10. Continued depression of the actuator pad 66 forces additional material up through the vertical and angled tube portions, 28 and 30, respectively, of the product pasεage 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. The presεure of the diεpensing material wedges the leaf spring 52 open, allowing the product to exit the discharge region of the cap 10 in a thin, smooth, rectangular layer, as shown in Figure 14. Since material is dispenεed over the front portion 54 of the leaf εpring 52, the uεer can εee the product aε it iε 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 εufficient 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 10 to its starting poεition. Since the toothpaεte in the product passage 26 is no longer under the presεure of the container, it exerts little force against the leaf spring 52. The restoring force of the leaf spring 52 returns it to its normally closed position bearing against the inεide εurface of the top portion 32 of the angled tube portion 30, aε shown in Figure 1. The leaf spring 52 cleanly cuts the band of toothpaste, forcing the toothpaste beneath it back behind the leaf εpring εo that there iε little or no reεidual toothpaεte on any exterior εurface of the diεcharge duct of the cap 10. The front portion 54 and εide εurfaceε 56a and 56b provide an airtight seal along three surfaceε of the diεcharge paεsage 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 pasεage. While the operation of the dispenεing actuating cap of the preεent invention has been deεcribed with reεpect to toothpaste, it can also be used with other viscous, liquid or other types of materials, as well. The dispenεing actuator cap with the modifications εhown 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 iε more aeεthetically 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 surfaceε be εtraight, reεulting in a thin rectangular layer which can be neatly placed on a toothbruεh on actuation. For other materialε, εuch aε foodε, the front edge 54 and corresponding surface of the top portion 32 could be curved, or be of some other decorative shape. The product dispenεed will then take on the shape of the matching surfaces. If the front portion 54 of the leaf spring is curved, a supporting rib could be provided.

The diεpenεing cap and insert are preferably molded separately by injection molding or other conventional molding processes, as is known in the art. Separate molding enables the discharge valve 36 to be formed such that the leaf spring portion 52 extends above the top of the base 42, as described above, enabling its inεertion under stress and increasing the 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 diεpenser of the present invention has been described in use with a presεurized container. Any of the known barrier package systems, such as those using a piston or those referred to aε a bag-in-can, may also be used. See, for example, San Giovanni, Michael L. , "Alternative Syεtemε Puεh For Market Share," Spray Technology & Marketing, Auguεt 1992, pp. 37-44, for a discusεion of εuch systems. As stated above, the dispenεer of the present invention can also be uεed with manually pressurized containers, including pump type-dispenεing systems.

The dispenser of the present invention need not be a cap, but may be an integral, discharge portion of a container.

Claims

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 againεt 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 presεure of diεpenεing 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 dispenεer.

2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the resilient portion has a base portion which iε secured within the means for conveying material from the outlet meanε 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 2 wherein the base portion has an paεεage through which product can paεε.

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

6. The dispenεer of claim 5 wherein the resilient portion further comprises a leaf spring portion depending from the baεe portion, the leaf εpring portion having a surface which bears against the stationary portion along a εurface of engagement and the εhape of the εurface of the leaf spring matches the shape of the εtationary portion at the εurface of engagement.

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

8. The diεpenεer of claim 6 wherein the leaf εpring has side edges and a pair of εurfaceε depending perpendicularly from the εide edges, for sealing with side εurfaceε of the dispensing duct.

9. The dispenser of claim 6 wherein the base portion has εide walls and the leaf spring portion has side portions which extend beyond the side walls of the base portion, and the diεcharge 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 againεt 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 dispenεer of claim 1 wherein the reεilient portion iε under εtreεε while it bearε againεt the inεide εurface of the εtationary portion.

13. The diεpenεer of claim 6 wherein the leaf εpring portion haε reinforcing ribε.

14. The dispenεer 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 engageε the valve stem of the container.

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

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

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

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

21. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the diεpenεer iε a diεpensing 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 pasεage of product; and an upwardly protruding leaf εpring 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 inεide εurface of the diεcharge duct.

23. The insert of claim 22 wherein the first and second openingε are adjacent the top εurface 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 εtep portion depending from a bottom εurface of the body portion.

25. The inεert of claim 22 wherein the leaf εpring portion includeε reinforcing ribbing.

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

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 εurface.

28. The inεert 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 εection defining a product paεεageway, the tubular section having a first and second end portion, the first end portion having a meanε for engaging the outlet meanε of the container at itε firεt 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 meanε for engaging the lever portion εuch 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 dispenεer of claim 30 wherein the tubular εection includes an esεentially 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 meanε 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 dispenεer of claim 30 wherein the meanε for product to be dispensed from the product passageway is defined 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 diεcharging product when the valve εtem is actuated.

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

36. The dispenεer of claim 30 wherein the diεpenεer iε adapted to dispense material from a presεurized 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.