USRE24695E - Kirschenbaum - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 8, 1959 s. KIRSCHENBAUM 24,595

' CAPPING DEVICE Original Filed May 2, 1956 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 United States Patent Oiiice Re. 24,695 Reissued Sept. 8, 1959 CAPPING DEVICE Samuel Kirschenbaum, New York, N .Y.

Original No. 2,829,807, dated April s, 1958, Serial No. 582,149, May 2, 1956. Application for reissue May 19, 1958, Serial No. 736,950

Claims. (Cl. 222-421) Matter enclosed in heavy brackets appears in the original patent but forms no part of this reissue specification; matter printed in italics indicates the additions made by reissue.

This invention relates generally to the bottle closure art, and more particularly to an improved form of capping device for use in conjunction with liquid drop dispensing devices. Reference is made to Patent No. 2,411,435 entitled Liquid Dispensing Device, granted November 19, 1946, to S. Kirschenbaum which shows a typical application of the invention.

9 Liquid dispensing devices of the type disclosed in the above mentioned patent are used in connection with hottiesfor controlling the flow of liquid from the same, and are adapted to provide for the emptying of liquid containers in the form of drops flowing at a substantial- 1y uniform rate. The operation of such devices is dependent upon the maintenance of certain balances between the flow of air into the container, and the flow of liquid therefrom. Proper initial operation depends upon the passages of the device being free of liquid which might distort the above mentioned balance. While the devices disclosed in the above mentioned Patent No. 2,411,435 are generally satisfactory, it has been found that capping devices of conventional type are not suitable in those applications where it is necessary to shake the container of liquid to assure a uniform mixture of liquid before dispensing. During the shaking operation, the liquid dispensing passages become filled with liquid so that upon removal of the capping device and the tilting of the container to dispense the drops of liquid, the initial flow may be too fast for accurate drop count and control.

I. It has also been found that the conventional cap made of a rigid plastic and relying only upon pressure to seal is-insufficient when used in conjunction with a bottle insert or fitment made of a non-rigid flexible plastic having the properties of polyethylene if the pressure is applied to sections of the fitment that are not supported by unyielding surfaces.

It is therefore among the principal objects of the present invention to provide an improved capping device for use in conjunction with drop dispensing devices of the class described in which the above mentioned diificulties are substantially eliminated.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of improved capping construction which is adapted to seat tightly upon the drop dispensing device without damage to any .of the relatively delicate parts thereof.

f Another object of the invention lies in the provision of an improved capping device adapted for use in conjunction with a drop dispensing device possessed of the above enumerated advantages, in which the cost of fabrication may be of a reasonably low order, with consequent wide sale, distribution and use.

A feature of the invention lies in the fact that the same may be formed from a single molding of synthetic resinous material, with a complete absence of sealing gaskets, liners, and the like.

Another feature of the invention lies in the pockets of trapped air between interconnecting parts to provide an effective seal against the flow of liquids therethrough.

These objects and features, as well as other incidental ends and advantages, will become more clearly apparent during the course of the following disclosure, and be pointed out in the appended claims.

On the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Figure 1 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view showing an embodiment of the invention in position upon a drop dispensing device.

Figure 1A is a plan view as seen from the plane 1A-1A on Figure 1.

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the embodiment.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view, corresponding in most respects to that seen on Figure 1, but showing an alternate form of the embodiment.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view, corresponding in most respects to that seen on Figure 1, but showing a second alternate form of the embodiment.

Figure 5 is a similar fragmentary sectional view showing a third alternate form of the embodiment.

Figure 6 is a similar fragmentary sectional view show ing a fourth alternate form of the embodiment.

In accordance with the invention, the device, general- 1y indicated by reference character 10 is shown in conjunction with a liquid dispensing device 11 disposed within the neck 12 of a liquid container (not shown). The construction and operation of the liquid dispensing device 11 is substantially as set forth in Patent No. 2,411,- 435, and will therefore not be discussed in great detail herein. In accordance with said patent, the device 11 includes a neck engaging annular portion 15, an outer tubular member 16 having a flared portion 17 thereon, a perforated wall 18, and an inner tubular member 19 having a lower wall 20 thereon, the wall 20 having a vent 21 therein. In the device 11 illustrated, the upper edge 22 of the outer tubular member 16 and the upper edge 23 of the inner tubular member 19 are in co-planar relationship, but it is to be understood that such showing is purely exemplary, as the device 10 may be modified to accommodate those cases where the co-planar relationship does not exist. When in use, air flows in the direction of the arrow 24 through the vent 21 to permit liquid to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow 25 through the perforated wall 18 to form drops on the flared portion 17. If liquid is brought into the interstice 28 by necessary shaking or inadvertent handling, a quantity of liquid accumulates which is greatly in excess of the normal amount of liquid in the device required for eflicient functioning. In the conventional cap, the whole fitment becomes filled with liquid which brings about this condition.

The device 10 is preferably formed by molding a suitable synthetic resin having the desired properties of strength and a limited degree of flexibility. Where the device 11 is formed from a relatively soft synthetic resin having the properties of polyethylene, the device 10 may be formed of a relatively harder synthetic resin, preferably of the phenol or styrene types. The device 10 includes a body 29 having an outer annular surface 30, an upper surface 31, a threaded surface 32 selectively engageable with threads 33 on the neck 12 and a first planar inwardly disposed surface 34 adapted to rest upon the flange 14 when in engaged position.

Adjacent the surface 34 is a first annular groove 35 of suitable cross section" to permit the same to clear the flared portion 17 of the tubular member 16. In the embodiment shown on Figure 1, the groove is of generally rectangular cross section including outer. surface 42, a bottom 43 and a partial" inner surface 44'. The" depth of the groove 35 is such that When the surface 34 rests upon the upper surface 40 of the flange 14" the flared portion 17 is free of contact with any) portion. of thedevice Disposed adjacent the groove 35 is a first annular flange: or. projection 36 havinga wedge shaped surface 46 thereon adapted to contact thereinforced junction between the flared portion 17 and the=planarflange 14. outer'cylindr-ical' surface 47 is'adapted to slide withinzthe. interstice 28, while the rounded bottom surface 48 assures a smooth sliding fit. A similarly cylindrical inner'surface 49- contacts the' outer' surface of" the-inner tubular member 191 A second annular groove 37 is d'isposed" adjacent the firstv annular projection 36 and includes a bottom' surface 50 and an inner annular surface 51. The surface 51 mergesiwith'. the outer cylindricali surface 52 of theax-ially or centrally disposed projection 38 which is provided with. an end. surface 53 adapted to penetrate the opening within the inner tubular member 19'; Asmay be seen on Figure. l, the surface. 50 is -positioned so as to clear the upper edge 23 whereby a pocket of" trapped air provides a seal. similar to that provided by the annular groove 35; The above. mentioned pocket may be eliminated, if: desired; provided an efiective seal is made at. the upper end? of the inner tubular member 19;.

When the device 10? is engaged with the device 11 owing; to a. differential. resilience between the" component parts to the two devicesa. slight distortion occursto proa vide. an hermetic seal. between the. planar surface of the flange 14 and the surface.34;. Avsecond seal ismade atthe contact of the cylindrical. surface 46= with the rein-- forced: junction between; the: flared portion. 17 and theplanar flange 14-.v A. third seal is madeby the engagement' of. the surface 51. with the: outer surface of the inner. tubular member 19. Still. another seal is formed by the engagement of the centrally disposed. projection 38 withthe inner tubular member. Air trapped within the groove 35 contributes to. this efiect. in: that no liquid canenter the groove. without displacing the air, andthe pressure of the air is such as to force: liquid in the op posite direction. Thus, in closed: condition, the: container of liquid may be shaken: vigorously withoutr substantial accumulation of liquid, that. issto say the liquid which accumulates is within; the'nor-mal range for proper operation. Accordingly, it is possible to removethe device 10 from the device.- llland commence; controlled flow of drops from. the container of liquid" in! such a: manner that drops are immediately formed.

Turning now to the alternateform of. the invention as. shown on Figure 3 of the drawing, the same. differs. from. the principal. form only in the omission. of. the. centrally disposed projection 38.- This. form ispar:-

ticularly useful. where. the centrally disposed opening.

in the drop dispensing device. is so smallastomake. the

centrally disposed projection difficult to mold-r In such.

cases, an adequate seal will be obtained without the presence' ofthe centrally disposed projection. The elimination of the centrally disposed projection also saves the material which would normally be" used to form the same, with a consequent simplification and reduction in molding costs.

In this form ofthe embodiment; owing to the" close- 4; to those of the principal form are designated with similar reference characters with the additional sufiix a.

The second alternate form of the invention differs from the principal form principally in that it is particularly adapted for use in liquid containers having relatively narrow neck portions. Accordingly, the outer tubular member 16a engages the inner surface of the neck 12a and the interstice' 2 8 is suificiently narrow that the major portion of the seal. is effected by contact between the tapered surfaces 58 and 59. Here contact as shown is permissible without damage: to the" di 8e 10, owing to the fact that the flared portion. 17 is directly supported by the upper edge 60' of the neck Turning now to the third alternate form of the embodiment as. illustrated" on Figure 5, of the drawing", parts corresponding to those of the: principal formhave been designated by similar reference characters. with. the additional suflix b. In this form, the inner tubular member 19b is lowered, to permit the device 10 to be inwardly recessed with a consequent saving of material comprisingv the cap;- An; additional air" seal is formed within. the groove: 63; the annular projection 6 cod tacting a portion of. the device. 1015 which is? supp rted by the neck- 12b of the liquid containers Turning now to the fourth alternate form: of the em bodiment as illustrated: on. Figure 63 of the: drawing,-

parts corresponding to. those: of. the principal form OF the embodiment have been designated by similar" reference characters w-ith. the additionaL suifix -cf Itt-tl'lis for-m-v of. the embodiment, the seal between? the: flared tion 17c and the first. annular projection: 36o: isvpmtial as. compared with. a. more complete seal as seeni om Figure 4-, and correspondingly-yther flared portion! is. only partially reinforced by additional material indicated-by; reference character 70; 3 1- It may thus be seen that I have: invented noveh anrh highly useful improvements in capping; devices". offla'e type adapted to be used in conjunction with? a drop" disc pensing device. Provisionis-lmad'e for the exclusion of; undesirable accumulations of. liquid within: the drop" dispensing device during" suchtime: as the container. of liquid with which the drop dispensing, device; is? used, is shaken or otherwise moved so asrto: cause? liquid. to otherwise lodge: within: the dropdispensing: device. The. capping. device may be formed: froma a! wide variety of suitable: materials, andby resort to maintained at atvery loworder.

I'Wish it to be understood that I do not considienthe,= inventionlimited tothe precise'details' ofstructure shown and set forth. in this. specification,.fo r= obvious nlodifica tions will occur to. those skilled inthe. ant to.- whichtthe present invention relates.

I'claim:

[1. A capping devicefor use 'w-ith aliquidcontainer. as a closure therefor comprising: a generally-annularbodys having a principal. axis; said body havingai planar? surface disposed. substantially perpendicularly with.- respect; to said axis, a first. annular. groove disposed inwardly of. said surface and substantially coaxiallywith: respect to said principal axis, an annular projection disposedlinward ly of said groove and substantiallyconcentrically withtre spect to said principal axis;anda,secondannular-groove disposed inwardly and concentrically; with.respect.to said annular projection]: I

[2; A capping device for use with a. liquid container as a closure therefor comprising: a generall'y'annular body, having a" principal axis; said "body havin'g a planar surface; disposed substantially perpendicularlywitlr respect tdsaid axis, a firstannular groovedisposedinwardlyofsaidsu face and substantially cease-111p with respect to sai'd p' cipal axis, an annular projectiond'i'spbsed inwardly of'sh groove and substantially concentrically with respect to said principal axis; and a secondiannul'ar groove disposed nwardly and concentrically with respect to said annular injection molding techniques the cost' of'v theisamemaybe projection; and a second centrally disposed projection disposed inwardly of said second groove] 3. In combination, a liquid dispensing device and a capping device therefor; said liquid dispensing device comprising: a body having a principal axis, a planar surface disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to said axis, first and second cylindrical tubes disposed concentrically with respect to said axis and forming a cylindrically shaped interstice therebetween; said capping device comprising a generally annular body having a principal axis, said body having a first planar surface disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to said axis, a first annular groove disposed inwardly of said surface and substantially coaxially with respect to said principal axis, a first annular projection disposed inwardly of said groove and concentrically with respect thereto, a second annular groove disposed inwardly and concentrically with respect to said first annular projection, and a second centrally disposed projection disposed inwardly of said second groove; said capping device being selectively engageable with said dispensing device in such a manner that said planar surfaces are in contact, in which position said first annular projection on said capping device is adapted to enter the interstice between said first and second cylindrical tubes.

4. In combination, a liquid dispensing device and a capping device therefor; said liquid dispensing device comprising: a body having a principal axis, a planar surface disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to said axis, first and second cylindrical tubes disposed concentrically with respect to said axis and forming a cylindrically shaped interstice therebetween; said capping device comprising: a generally annular body having a principal axis, said body having a first planar surface disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to said axis, a first annular groove disposed inwardly of said surface and substantially coaxially with respect to said principal axis, a first annular projection disposed inwardly of said groove and concentrically with respect thereto, a second annular groove disposed inwardly and concentrically with respect to said first annular projection; said capping device being selectively engageable with said dispensing device in such a manner that said planar surfaces are in contact, in which position said first annular projection on said capping device is adapted to enter the interstice between said first and second cylindrical tubes.

5. In combination a liquid dispensing device and a capping device therefor; said liquid dispensing device being formed of a soft synthetic resin and having a principal axis and including a generally laterally extending planar flange, an annular bottle neck engaging portion on the periphery of said planar flange and a tubular member having a principal axis coincident with said principal axis and disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of said planar flange, said tubular member including a flared portion thereon; said capping device being formed of a synthetic resin having a greater degree of resiliency and a lesser degree of flexibility than said liquid dispensing device, and having means thereon for engagement with a bottle neck, a planar inwardly disposed surface adapted to contact said planar flange of said liquid dispensing device substantially at the peripheral areas thereof and an annular groove formed therein including outer and inner surfaces interconnected by a bottom surface; said capping device when in engaged position clearing said flared portion of said tubular member, said inner cylindrical surface resiliently contacting the inner surface of said tubular member, the depth of penetration of said tubular member by said inner wall being determined by the engagement of said planar inwardly disposed surface of said capping device with said planar flange of said liquid dispensing device.

6. In combination a liquid dispensing device and a capping device therefor; said liquid dispensing device being formed of a soft synthetic resin and having a principal axis and including a generally laterally extending planar flange, an annular bottle neck engaging portion on the periphery of said planar flange, and a tubular member having a principal axis coincident with said principal axis and disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of said planar flange, said tubular member including a flared portion thereon; said capping device being formed of a synthetic resin having a greater degree of resiliency and a lesser degree of flexibility than said liquid dispensing device, and having threaded means thereon for engagement with a bottle neck and a planar inwardly disposed surface adapted to contact said planar flange of said liquid dispensing device substantially at the peripheral areas thereof; said capping device including an annular groove formed therein including outer and inner surfaces interconnected by a bottom surface, and when in engaged position clearing said flared portion of said tubular member, said inner cylindrical surface resiliently contacting the inner surface of said tubular member, the depth of penetration of said tubular member by said inner wall being determined by the engagement of said planar inwardly disposed surface of said capping device with said planar flange of said liquid dispensing device.

7. In combination a liquid dispensing device and a capping device therefor; said liquid dispensing device being formed of a soft synthetic resin and having a principal axis and including a generally laterally extending planar flange, an annular bottle neck engaging portion on the periphery of said planar flange, and a tubular member having a principal axis coincident with said principal axis and disposed substantially perpendicular to the plane of said planar flange, said tubular member including a flared portion thereon; said capping device being formed of a synthetic resin having a greater degree of resiliency and a lesser degree of flexibility than said liquid dispensing device, and having threaded means thereon for engagement with a bottle neck and a planar inwardly disposed surface adapted to contact said planar flange of said liquid dispensing device substantially at the peripheral areas thereof; said capping device including an annular groove formed therein including outer and inner coaxially disposed cylindrical surfaces interconnected by a bottom surface; said capping device when in engaged position clearing said flared portion of said tubular member, said inner cylindrical surface resiliently contacting the inner surface of said tubular member, the depth of penetration of said tubular member by said inner wall being determined by the engagement of said planar inwardly disposed surface of said capping device with said planar flange of said liquid dispensing device.

References Cited in the file of this patent or the original patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,714,211 Brownlee et a1. May 21, 1929 1,854,451 Cooney Apr. 19, 1932 2,411,435 Kirschenbaum Nov. 19, 1946 2,689,665 Martin Sept. 21, 1954 2,690,861 Tupper Oct. 5, 1954 2,831,613 Softer Apr. 22, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 64,527 Germany Sept. 16, 1892

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