GB2260535A

GB2260535A - Valved dispensing closure

Info

Publication number: GB2260535A
Application number: GB9221610A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Bruce Campbell
Original assignee: CODA PLASTICS Ltd
Current assignee: CODA PLASTICS Ltd
Priority date: 1991-10-19
Filing date: 1992-10-15
Publication date: 1993-04-21
Anticipated expiration: 2012-10-15
Also published as: GB9221610D0; GB9122319D0; GB2260535B

Abstract

A two part fluid dispensing closure comprises an outer cap part 13 with a central opening and an inner part 12 fitting slidably within central aperture and being held normally at a stationary position with surface 16 in contact with surface 15 of the cap to block any egress of fluid: when fluid is to be dispensed, the dispensing pressure produced by squeezing container 11 causes the part 12 to be forced outwards in direction X, allowing egress of fluid via the gap then created. When fluid has been dispensed the inner casing is automatically drawn back into the outer casing at least as far as the stationary position. Preferably the part 12 is automatically drawn back to beyond the stationery position so that air is drawn into the dispenser with a consequent equilibration of pressure whereby the inner casing returns to the stationary point and is hold in place preventing further egress of fluid. The part 12 is held in position within the aperture by an array of equally angularly spaced flexible webs 17 (Figure 2) extending between the part 12 and a part 18 fixed between the container rim and the cap. The cap may snap fit on the container which may be positioned horizontally or in an inserted position and contain toothpaste, hand cream or shower gel. <IMAGE>

Description

FLUID DISPENSING CLOSURE Field of the Invention The invention relates to fluid dispensing closures, and in particular, although not exclusively, to fluid dispensing closures to be used with containers which are inverted.

Background to the Invention There is a wide range of fluid dispensers with an equally wide range of closures available. Amongst the variety of closures which are used for dispensers is a simple press cap having a stud which fits into the dispenser to prevent fluid from being discharged. This type of closure has several disadvantages, the most obvious one being the slight discharge of fluid after the required amount has been dispensed. This excess of fluid makes the dispenser sticky to use again and can be dangerous, particularly if the fluid drips onto the surface of a shower tray or bath. Another disadvantage is the loss of fluid from the dispenser which means that the product has to be replaced more frequently.Further disadvantages of this type of closure include, potential damage from the leaked fluid to the surface on which the dispenser rests and, from the same source, a possible health hazard to pets and/or young children who tend to try to eat household items.

There are on the market an increasing number of dispensers which are used in an inverted or horizontal position, for example shower gel, toothpaste and hand cream and where the closure often forms the base of the dispenser.

The closure produced by Calmar Albert, which is of US origin, is the closest prior art known to the applicant. The disadvantages of this product, which uses a diaphragm are that it is expensive.

Summarv of the Invention In its broadest aspect, the invention provides a fluid dispensing closure defining an outer casing and an inner casing, the inner casing fitting slidably within the outer casing and being held normally at a stationary (i.e unpressurised) position within the outer casing to block any egress of fluid; the casing holding means being such that when fluid is to be dispensed, the dispensing pressure causes the inner casing to be forced outwards from the stationary position allowing egress of fluid via the gap then created between the two castings; and, when fluid has been dispensed, the inner casing is automatically drawn back into the outer casing at least as far as - and preferably past - the stationary point, causing - in the preferred case just outlined - air to be drawn into the dispenser with a consequent equilibration of pressure whereby the inner casing returns to the stationary point and is held in place preventing further egress of fluid.

Preferably, the inner casing is held at the stationary position by a flexible web array of, preferably, equally angularly spaced webs.

Preferably also the inner casing and outer casing are made. in a two-part format, with the casing holding means extending between the inner casing and an intermediate member which co-operates with the outer casing to position the inner casing in place.

Preferably a portion of the inner casing seats on the outer casing.

A fluid dispensing closure embodying the invention can dispense fluid whilst in an inverted position, yet offer a normally substantially drip-free closure.

Brief Description of the Drawings Two closures embodying the invention are shown, by way of example only, in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1A and 1B show the closure in the open and closed position respectively; Figure 2 is a plan view of the closure; and Figures 3A and 3B are cross sectional views of a second embodiment of the closure in the open and closed position respectively.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments Closure 10 is mounted on dispenser 11. Figures 1A and 1B show a first embodiment of the invention in which an inner casing 12 is slidably mounted within an outer casing 13. An outer surface 14 of the inner casing 12 impinges on an inner surface 15 of outer casing 13 when the closure is in its closed position, Figure 1B and at its stationary position i.e equal pressure on each side (inside and outside) of the closure.

Figure 1A shows the closure 10 forced into its open position to allow fluid to be discharged from dispenser 11. Pressure on dispenser 11 causes the inner casing 12 to be forced in the direction shown by arrow X. This movement displaces the surface 14 from the surface 15 to allow discharge of fluid through gap 16 thereby created.

After the required amount of fluid has been discharged, pressure is removed from the dispenser 11 and the inner casing 12 is drawn back automatically into the outer casing 13, past the stationary position shown in Figure 1B, which allows the intake of air to recreate the vacuum in the dispenser 11. On equilibration of the vacuum, the inner casing 12 returns automatically to the stationary position in which surfaces 14 and 15 impinge on one another.

The inner casing 12 is retained in position within the outer casing 13 by flexible web 17. Figure 2 shows the position of the web 17, connecting the inner casing 12 to support 18, as an array of (in this case) three equally angularly spaced webs.

This embodiment is particularly applicable to dispensers which discharge fluids whilst in an inverted position. When discharge of fluid is completed no further fluid can ooze out from the dispenser.

Turning now to Figures 3A and 3B which show a second embodiment of the invention. Like parts have the same reference numerals as before.

Pressure is applied to dispenser 11 to discharge fluid and hence cause inner casing 12 to be displaced from stationary position shown in Figure 3B. On completion of discharge of fluid through gap 16, the inner casing 12 returns to the stationary position where surface 19 abuts surface 20 to prevent further discharge of fluid. In this embodiment, air is not permitted to return into the dispenser 11. Point Y shows the point at which surfaces 19 and 20 abut, and in this position the dispenser stays shut until next pressurised (e.g squeezed).

Particular applications of this embodiment of the closure include use on a toothpaste tube or hand cream dispenser, although further applications will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In both illustrated embodiments, closure 10 snap-fits onto dispenser 11 and circumferentially - successive ridges 9 hold the closure 10 temporarily in place on the dispenser whilst allowing it to be removed if necessary.

In both embodiments also, inner casing 12 and outer casing 13 are initially separately manufactured, and fit and locate, one within another, as separable items. In use, as illustrated, the top edge 8 of the wall of dispenser 11 pushes the outer ring of casing 12 up against the underside of casing 13 when both casings are interfitted to define closure 10 and closure 10 is snap-fitted onto dispenser 11; and in that ready-for-use state, the inherent resilience of webs 17 is so utilised that surface 14 of casing 12 seats against surface 15 of casing 13 in the so-called stationary position. Webs 17 can then flex either way to allow surface 14 to move up and down, either side of the stationary position, under pressure as described.

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing closure defining an outer casing and an inner casing, the inner casing fitting slidably within the outer casing and being held normally at a stationary "(ie unpressurised)" position within the outer casing to block any egress of fluid; the casing holding means being such that when fluid is to be dispensed, the dispensing pressure causes the inner casing to be forced outwards from the stationary position allowing egress of fluid via the gap then created between the two casings; and, when fluid has been dispensed the inner casing is automatically drawn back into the outer casing at least as far as and preferably passed - the stationary point, causing - in the preferred case just outlined - air to be drawn into the dispenser with a consequent eqilibration of pressure whereby the inner casing returns to the stationary point and is held in place preventing further egress of fluid.

2. A fluid dispensing closure according to Claim 1 in which the inner casing is held at the stationary position by a flexible web array of equally angularly spaced webs.

3. A fluid dispensing closure according to Claim 2 in which the inner casing and outer casing are made in a two-part format, with the casing holding means extending between the inner casing and an intermediate member which co-operates with the outer casing to position the inner casing in place.

4. A fluid dispensing closure according to Claim 3 in which a portion of the inner casing sits on the outer casing.

5. A fluid dispensing closure substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.