CA2008584A1 - Metered dispensing cap for tubes - Google Patents
Metered dispensing cap for tubesInfo
- Publication number
- CA2008584A1 CA2008584A1 CA002008584A CA2008584A CA2008584A1 CA 2008584 A1 CA2008584 A1 CA 2008584A1 CA 002008584 A CA002008584 A CA 002008584A CA 2008584 A CA2008584 A CA 2008584A CA 2008584 A1 CA2008584 A1 CA 2008584A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- opening
- meter
- meter element
- dispenser cap
- base element
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D35/00—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor
- B65D35/24—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices
- B65D35/40—Pliable tubular containers adapted to be permanently or temporarily deformed to expel contents, e.g. collapsible tubes for toothpaste or other plastic or semi-liquid material; Holders therefor with auxiliary devices for metering discharge
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention is directed to a metered dispensing cap system for containers such as tubes and the like. The system has a base element which is attachable to the neck of a squeezeable container and which has a sidewall portion and a top. The base element has an opening in the top for outflow of a material from a squeezeable container into a meter element. This base element may be removeably attachable, e.g. by being screwed on, or may be permanently attached, e.g. by being integrally molded with the container.
A one way valve is located in the opening of the base element to permit the flow of material from a container through the open-ing while preventing backflow. The system also includes a meter element which acts like an inverted trap and which has a sidewall portion and a top with an opening in the top for dispensing of the material therefrom. The sidewall portion of the meter element is slightly larger than and has the same across sectional shape as the sidewall portion of the base element and this sidewall portion of the meter element is higher than and located about and encompasses the sidewall portion of the base element.
Further, the meter element is vertically slideable along the sidewall portion of the base element with an upward position for receiving a volume of material in a pre-determined amount when the squeezeable container is squeezed and downward position whereby the opening in the top of the meter element allows for dispensing of the desired amount of fluid when the meter element is pushed down.
The present invention is directed to a metered dispensing cap system for containers such as tubes and the like. The system has a base element which is attachable to the neck of a squeezeable container and which has a sidewall portion and a top. The base element has an opening in the top for outflow of a material from a squeezeable container into a meter element. This base element may be removeably attachable, e.g. by being screwed on, or may be permanently attached, e.g. by being integrally molded with the container.
A one way valve is located in the opening of the base element to permit the flow of material from a container through the open-ing while preventing backflow. The system also includes a meter element which acts like an inverted trap and which has a sidewall portion and a top with an opening in the top for dispensing of the material therefrom. The sidewall portion of the meter element is slightly larger than and has the same across sectional shape as the sidewall portion of the base element and this sidewall portion of the meter element is higher than and located about and encompasses the sidewall portion of the base element.
Further, the meter element is vertically slideable along the sidewall portion of the base element with an upward position for receiving a volume of material in a pre-determined amount when the squeezeable container is squeezed and downward position whereby the opening in the top of the meter element allows for dispensing of the desired amount of fluid when the meter element is pushed down.
Description
85~
METERED DISPENSING CAP FOR TUBES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
l. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an easy-to-use metered dispensing cap for tubes and other types of containers. In particular, this invention is directed to a cap system which permits metered amounts of mate-rial to be repeatedly dispensed as desired. By squeez-ing the container, the metered cap is filled as it is ;~ pushed upward; by being opened at the top and pushed downward, the cap dispenses the material and is re-positioned for closing and reloading.
METERED DISPENSING CAP FOR TUBES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
l. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an easy-to-use metered dispensing cap for tubes and other types of containers. In particular, this invention is directed to a cap system which permits metered amounts of mate-rial to be repeatedly dispensed as desired. By squeez-ing the container, the metered cap is filled as it is ;~ pushed upward; by being opened at the top and pushed downward, the cap dispenses the material and is re-positioned for closing and reloading.
2. Prior Art Statement Numerous patents describe various types of dis-; pensing caps and the 'ndustry is inundated witù various . ' ' , ''', ,, ~ ' : ". ,: .
.
,',., ' ,,. ,. ', , , ' ,,, ' , ~ ', . , . , , , ,:
. . . . . . . . .. . .
' '',, ' ' '' :' ~ , ". , ', '" ; ' ,: ' , ' :
2~C~8S8~
designs which are sometimes complicated in operation and/or complex to manufacture. The art goes back decades, and the following patents describe different types of dispensing caps and systems that are exemplary:
Early United States Patents were directed to metering systems involving designs which typically ' utilize the full length of a cylindrical chamber - .
to create a volume for the dispensing of a liqu1d or ~ a semiliquid material. United States Patents Nos.
; 10 1,926,367 and 2,205,082 illustrate these types of early dispensing containers. Dispensing systems involving chambers or traps at th~e tops of the containers were subsequently developed and these are exemplified by United States Patents NosO 2,591,455 and 3,089,623.
More recent United States Patents describe ~''' ' '.
' '; '' ' ' ', ' ' '. , ' . ' ' ' . ' ' ;
.
' ' ~ ~ '' '' ". . ' '.
:, : . . :
:
. ~ . .
.
,',., ' ,,. ,. ', , , ' ,,, ' , ~ ', . , . , , , ,:
. . . . . . . . .. . .
' '',, ' ' '' :' ~ , ". , ', '" ; ' ,: ' , ' :
2~C~8S8~
designs which are sometimes complicated in operation and/or complex to manufacture. The art goes back decades, and the following patents describe different types of dispensing caps and systems that are exemplary:
Early United States Patents were directed to metering systems involving designs which typically ' utilize the full length of a cylindrical chamber - .
to create a volume for the dispensing of a liqu1d or ~ a semiliquid material. United States Patents Nos.
; 10 1,926,367 and 2,205,082 illustrate these types of early dispensing containers. Dispensing systems involving chambers or traps at th~e tops of the containers were subsequently developed and these are exemplified by United States Patents NosO 2,591,455 and 3,089,623.
More recent United States Patents describe ~''' ' '.
' '; '' ' ' ', ' ' '. , ' . ' ' ' . ' ' ;
.
' ' ~ ~ '' '' ". . ' '.
:, : . . :
:
. ~ . .
measuring and dispensing caps which involve squeeze bottles and/or pump mechanisms for dispenslng of liquid and semiliquid materials. Thus, United States Patents Nos. 4,077,5A7; 4,364,492; 4,376,495 and 4,518,105 described various types of dispensing systems using trap chambers with squeezeable bottles and/or pump mechanisms.
Notwithstanding formidable prior art in the metered dispensing field, none of the prior art systems describe a simple metered chamber mechanism such as is described in the present . invention wherein merely squeeæing a bottle with a depressed cap and pumping downward for dispensing , results in a simple metered dispensing of a fluid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a metered ., .
., .
.'. 1~ ~.
', ~ " ".''' "' ' -'", , ' ~,:
.. . . . . .
' ' : , ~ :
.
2~3~385~34 dispensing cap system for containers such as tubes and the like. The system has a base element which is attachable to the neck of a squeezeable container ; and which has a sidewall portion and a top. The base element has an opening in the top for outflow of a material from a squeezeable container into a meter element. This base element ~ay be removeably attachable, e.g. by being screwed on, or may be permanently attached, e.g. by being integrally molded with the container. A one way valve is located in the opening of the base element to permit the flow of material from a container through the opening while preventing backflow. The system also includes a meter element which acts like an inverted trap and which has a sidewall portion and a top with an opening in the top for dispensing of the material ~ .
:~:
,, .- ., . ", , ~ , . ~ ,' . ' ' "' ' ,, . , '' . ' ' :, ~', ;' ', ' ",, ''' ' ' '' ': ~ '.; ' ' ".'", ' . "
.. ..
' ., , , ~ , .
2~ i8~
.
therefrom. The sidewall portion of the meter element is slightly largex than and has the same cross sectional shape as the sidewall portion of the base element and this sidewall portion of the meter element is higher than and located about and encompasses the . sidewall portion of the base element. Further, the . meter element is vertically slideable along the :. sidewall port:ion of the base element with an upward po~ition for receiving a volume of material in a .'' pre-determined amount when the squeezeable container .~ is squeezed and downward position whereby the opening in the top of the meter element allows for dispensing of the desired amount of fluid when the meter element is pushed down.
~, .
. 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ~
., .
The present invention and further particulars will .
' '~
': .:. ,:
., , , , " ! ' , ' ,, " ,' ' ' ' ' " ' ' ' ~
' , ,: . . ' . . '. ' , ~, :
' .' ', ' ' ' ' '.'. '. . ' . ' ' ~
,' ' '' . ' : . - ' ' . .... . . . . . .
. .
"" ' ' ~ ", ''' " "':' "' ' ' " " ' . '. .
.~ , . . ' . ' '. .
,. ' , ' ' ., ' ' ' ' , , --~ 2C~8584 be more fully understood in the following description : which is made with reference to preferred embodiments . . .
.
shown in the drawings appended hereto, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a side, cut view of a squeezeable container with the base element integrally -formed with the container and shows other features of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
-. Figure 2 shows a top oblique view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention including part of a container;
-. Figure 3 shows a side, cut view of a third embodiment of the present invention where~n the base element is removeably attached (screwed on) to a container; and, Figure 4 shows an oblique, top, partially cut view of a metered dispensing cap system of the present invention as shown in figure 3 but with the cap removed.
,'~
,~ ' ' , . . .
: .
:' . . . . ..
. .
858~
: - 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a side, cut view of a container 3 which includes.
a present invention metered dispensing cap system 1.
'.`:
. 5 Base element five includes a sidewall portion 23 which ; is intrically molded to container 3 and also includes ~ a top 7 which contains opening 8 for outflow of a '' ~
material from container 3. While base element 5 is attached directly to container 3 in this embodiment, it could alternatively be removeably attached and could be snapped on or screwed on or otherwise temporarily or permenently attached to a container. Located in opening 8 is one-way valve 9 which permits flow of - material from container 3 into meter element 11. :.
` 15 Typically, this is achieved when meter element 11 is in the down position and container 3 squeezed. ~;
'~ ' : :' : ' ' ' . .
. , . , , : . ..
', : , . ., , , : . , ' :.' .. . , , ~ , ..
.
Si8~
When this is done, one-way valve 9 opens up and ; allows the material in container 3 to enter into meter element 11 thereby pushing up and expanding the volume of element 11 so as to completely fill it's volume with the desired, metered amount of the material to be dispensed.
Meter element 11 includes a sidewall portion 13 - which has a slightly larger diameter and the same cross sectional shape as sidewall 23, is higher than sidewall 23 and, as shown, is located around and ;
encompasses sidewall portion 23 of base element 5.
`: Meter element 11 has a top 15 with an opening 17 .
for ultimate dispensing of the metered amount of material and, in this embodiment, includes thread 19 ;: .
for receiving cap 25 and also includes gripping ~rotrusion 21, as shown. Cap 25 includes threads 27 to ,: ;,,. , . - . .. . . - ., ~ .
.. . . .. .
.
~'''' ' ''' ' , ., S8~
g mesh with threads 19 so that cap 25 may removeably be attached to meter element 11. Not shown would be a bump or protrusion on wall portion 23 to prevent axial rotation of meter element 11 so as to enable cap 25 to be screwed thereon without meter element 11 rotating.
Alternatively, the device may be used as shown without ; such a stop or bump or protrusion and cap 25 may be screwed onto meter element 11 merely by holding meter element 11 with one hand and screwing cap 25 thereon with the other hand. -~
Basically, meter element 11 may initially be pushed - into the down position and cap 25 screwed thereon. The ;
.
user would then squeeze container 23 or otherwise push material through container 23 by one-way valve 9 and , would thereby expand the volume of meter element 11 while filling it up with the material to be dispensed , .. ' ' .
~ : ' .
. . : . ," ~ : - , : :
: : ~:: i:
S~34 -- 1 o until element ll has slid un siclew~ll portion 2~ AS
high as possible. At this point, meter element 11 would contain the full amount of material to be dispensed. The user would then remove cap 25 and push downward on protusion 21, e.g. with two fingers, so as to force the - material out of meter element l1 and out of opening 17.
While protrusion 2l is shown as a finger gripping protrusion, alternatively, other types of flange designs ; or wings or handles or serations could be used.
Additionally, while one-way valve 9 is shown as an umbrella valve, it should be noted that any type of one-way valve , ~ :
could be used such as a spring loaded valve or a flap valve or any other one-way valve which would be available to the artisan. Regarding the cap 25, this does not have to be a screw on cap but could be a permanently attached flip cap, a snap cap, a stopper, a plug or any other ~ - 1 0 -''' . .: ,, '' , .. .:,; , ~
2~ .58~
type of known closure. Additionally, meter element 11 has a single volume as shown but could have created stop levels at various levels along sidewall 23 so as to permit, for example, a quarter dosage, a half ~osage, or a three quarter dosage or full dosage thereby ;
allowing for variable volume dispensing.
Referring now to figure 2, there is shown container 25 with base element 27 integrally attached thereto with sidewall portion 35 as shown. A one-way valve located inside is not shown but functions in the same manner as that shown in figure 1. Meter element 37 includes sidewall 29 and top portion 39 with opening 41. In this embodiment, it should be noted that top 41 is :: .
curved and no finger grips or ;protrusion are included.
The device shown in figure 2 is operated in a manner identical t~ that in f gure 1 except that after meter :
' .- ".' : . . . . . . .
, .: : , . : :. . . ..
. . . : : ~; . . .
' : ,. ' ' , '; ' . ' . ' . " ' ' ': : " , .
:, .' " . ' ' ''" .
2~ S~
element 37 is fille~, cap (not shown) is removed and the container is turned upside down and top 39 is pressed against the palm of the hand or other surface and ; dispensing occurs without the need for finger gripping.
Figure 3 shows yet another alternative embodiment : of the present invention wherein a base element 51 shows :
the sidewall portion with threads 53 for removeably ;:
being attached to container 41 via it's threads 45 located on neck 43. Base element 51 also includes a top portion 55 and an opening 57. One-way valve 61 is included as shown. Meter element 71 includes a sidewall and a top 75 as well as an opening 77 located therein.
Specially designed cap 81 has an entry in 85 in it's top and has threads 83 which mesh with threads 73 on meter element 71. This metered dispensing cap system operates in the same manner as that shown in figure l except that it .
,;,~ . ' ' ' ' .
~, .
,~., .
-2~
_ 13 is retrofitted onto a container which is already threaded.
Figure 4 shows an oblique, partially cut top view .'~ ' .
of the device shown in figure 3 with the cap removed.
Like parts are like numhered.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in view of the above ;~ disclosure. Thus, while threading is shown for attachment, any known substitute may be utilized. Likewise, rather than having a base element which is intrically formed with a container, a base element could be permanently attached by heat sealing,the use of various adhesives or ; other means. Other changes should be seen while maintaining the function and essence of the present invention.
- 15 It is therefore understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise : .' :,. : . , , , ... .
:, . . : .
.
.
- .. ~ : . , ',' .,: .
. .
''" . ,, : ' ' , ~ ' :' ' : ' 2~3~8~;i8~
than as specifically described herein.
, , :" ,.
:. .
. ~ .
.
, ~' '
Notwithstanding formidable prior art in the metered dispensing field, none of the prior art systems describe a simple metered chamber mechanism such as is described in the present . invention wherein merely squeeæing a bottle with a depressed cap and pumping downward for dispensing , results in a simple metered dispensing of a fluid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a metered ., .
., .
.'. 1~ ~.
', ~ " ".''' "' ' -'", , ' ~,:
.. . . . . .
' ' : , ~ :
.
2~3~385~34 dispensing cap system for containers such as tubes and the like. The system has a base element which is attachable to the neck of a squeezeable container ; and which has a sidewall portion and a top. The base element has an opening in the top for outflow of a material from a squeezeable container into a meter element. This base element ~ay be removeably attachable, e.g. by being screwed on, or may be permanently attached, e.g. by being integrally molded with the container. A one way valve is located in the opening of the base element to permit the flow of material from a container through the opening while preventing backflow. The system also includes a meter element which acts like an inverted trap and which has a sidewall portion and a top with an opening in the top for dispensing of the material ~ .
:~:
,, .- ., . ", , ~ , . ~ ,' . ' ' "' ' ,, . , '' . ' ' :, ~', ;' ', ' ",, ''' ' ' '' ': ~ '.; ' ' ".'", ' . "
.. ..
' ., , , ~ , .
2~ i8~
.
therefrom. The sidewall portion of the meter element is slightly largex than and has the same cross sectional shape as the sidewall portion of the base element and this sidewall portion of the meter element is higher than and located about and encompasses the . sidewall portion of the base element. Further, the . meter element is vertically slideable along the :. sidewall port:ion of the base element with an upward po~ition for receiving a volume of material in a .'' pre-determined amount when the squeezeable container .~ is squeezed and downward position whereby the opening in the top of the meter element allows for dispensing of the desired amount of fluid when the meter element is pushed down.
~, .
. 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS ~
., .
The present invention and further particulars will .
' '~
': .:. ,:
., , , , " ! ' , ' ,, " ,' ' ' ' ' " ' ' ' ~
' , ,: . . ' . . '. ' , ~, :
' .' ', ' ' ' ' '.'. '. . ' . ' ' ~
,' ' '' . ' : . - ' ' . .... . . . . . .
. .
"" ' ' ~ ", ''' " "':' "' ' ' " " ' . '. .
.~ , . . ' . ' '. .
,. ' , ' ' ., ' ' ' ' , , --~ 2C~8584 be more fully understood in the following description : which is made with reference to preferred embodiments . . .
.
shown in the drawings appended hereto, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a side, cut view of a squeezeable container with the base element integrally -formed with the container and shows other features of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
-. Figure 2 shows a top oblique view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention including part of a container;
-. Figure 3 shows a side, cut view of a third embodiment of the present invention where~n the base element is removeably attached (screwed on) to a container; and, Figure 4 shows an oblique, top, partially cut view of a metered dispensing cap system of the present invention as shown in figure 3 but with the cap removed.
,'~
,~ ' ' , . . .
: .
:' . . . . ..
. .
858~
: - 7 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a side, cut view of a container 3 which includes.
a present invention metered dispensing cap system 1.
'.`:
. 5 Base element five includes a sidewall portion 23 which ; is intrically molded to container 3 and also includes ~ a top 7 which contains opening 8 for outflow of a '' ~
material from container 3. While base element 5 is attached directly to container 3 in this embodiment, it could alternatively be removeably attached and could be snapped on or screwed on or otherwise temporarily or permenently attached to a container. Located in opening 8 is one-way valve 9 which permits flow of - material from container 3 into meter element 11. :.
` 15 Typically, this is achieved when meter element 11 is in the down position and container 3 squeezed. ~;
'~ ' : :' : ' ' ' . .
. , . , , : . ..
', : , . ., , , : . , ' :.' .. . , , ~ , ..
.
Si8~
When this is done, one-way valve 9 opens up and ; allows the material in container 3 to enter into meter element 11 thereby pushing up and expanding the volume of element 11 so as to completely fill it's volume with the desired, metered amount of the material to be dispensed.
Meter element 11 includes a sidewall portion 13 - which has a slightly larger diameter and the same cross sectional shape as sidewall 23, is higher than sidewall 23 and, as shown, is located around and ;
encompasses sidewall portion 23 of base element 5.
`: Meter element 11 has a top 15 with an opening 17 .
for ultimate dispensing of the metered amount of material and, in this embodiment, includes thread 19 ;: .
for receiving cap 25 and also includes gripping ~rotrusion 21, as shown. Cap 25 includes threads 27 to ,: ;,,. , . - . .. . . - ., ~ .
.. . . .. .
.
~'''' ' ''' ' , ., S8~
g mesh with threads 19 so that cap 25 may removeably be attached to meter element 11. Not shown would be a bump or protrusion on wall portion 23 to prevent axial rotation of meter element 11 so as to enable cap 25 to be screwed thereon without meter element 11 rotating.
Alternatively, the device may be used as shown without ; such a stop or bump or protrusion and cap 25 may be screwed onto meter element 11 merely by holding meter element 11 with one hand and screwing cap 25 thereon with the other hand. -~
Basically, meter element 11 may initially be pushed - into the down position and cap 25 screwed thereon. The ;
.
user would then squeeze container 23 or otherwise push material through container 23 by one-way valve 9 and , would thereby expand the volume of meter element 11 while filling it up with the material to be dispensed , .. ' ' .
~ : ' .
. . : . ," ~ : - , : :
: : ~:: i:
S~34 -- 1 o until element ll has slid un siclew~ll portion 2~ AS
high as possible. At this point, meter element 11 would contain the full amount of material to be dispensed. The user would then remove cap 25 and push downward on protusion 21, e.g. with two fingers, so as to force the - material out of meter element l1 and out of opening 17.
While protrusion 2l is shown as a finger gripping protrusion, alternatively, other types of flange designs ; or wings or handles or serations could be used.
Additionally, while one-way valve 9 is shown as an umbrella valve, it should be noted that any type of one-way valve , ~ :
could be used such as a spring loaded valve or a flap valve or any other one-way valve which would be available to the artisan. Regarding the cap 25, this does not have to be a screw on cap but could be a permanently attached flip cap, a snap cap, a stopper, a plug or any other ~ - 1 0 -''' . .: ,, '' , .. .:,; , ~
2~ .58~
type of known closure. Additionally, meter element 11 has a single volume as shown but could have created stop levels at various levels along sidewall 23 so as to permit, for example, a quarter dosage, a half ~osage, or a three quarter dosage or full dosage thereby ;
allowing for variable volume dispensing.
Referring now to figure 2, there is shown container 25 with base element 27 integrally attached thereto with sidewall portion 35 as shown. A one-way valve located inside is not shown but functions in the same manner as that shown in figure 1. Meter element 37 includes sidewall 29 and top portion 39 with opening 41. In this embodiment, it should be noted that top 41 is :: .
curved and no finger grips or ;protrusion are included.
The device shown in figure 2 is operated in a manner identical t~ that in f gure 1 except that after meter :
' .- ".' : . . . . . . .
, .: : , . : :. . . ..
. . . : : ~; . . .
' : ,. ' ' , '; ' . ' . ' . " ' ' ': : " , .
:, .' " . ' ' ''" .
2~ S~
element 37 is fille~, cap (not shown) is removed and the container is turned upside down and top 39 is pressed against the palm of the hand or other surface and ; dispensing occurs without the need for finger gripping.
Figure 3 shows yet another alternative embodiment : of the present invention wherein a base element 51 shows :
the sidewall portion with threads 53 for removeably ;:
being attached to container 41 via it's threads 45 located on neck 43. Base element 51 also includes a top portion 55 and an opening 57. One-way valve 61 is included as shown. Meter element 71 includes a sidewall and a top 75 as well as an opening 77 located therein.
Specially designed cap 81 has an entry in 85 in it's top and has threads 83 which mesh with threads 73 on meter element 71. This metered dispensing cap system operates in the same manner as that shown in figure l except that it .
,;,~ . ' ' ' ' .
~, .
,~., .
-2~
_ 13 is retrofitted onto a container which is already threaded.
Figure 4 shows an oblique, partially cut top view .'~ ' .
of the device shown in figure 3 with the cap removed.
Like parts are like numhered.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in view of the above ;~ disclosure. Thus, while threading is shown for attachment, any known substitute may be utilized. Likewise, rather than having a base element which is intrically formed with a container, a base element could be permanently attached by heat sealing,the use of various adhesives or ; other means. Other changes should be seen while maintaining the function and essence of the present invention.
- 15 It is therefore understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise : .' :,. : . , , , ... .
:, . . : .
.
.
- .. ~ : . , ',' .,: .
. .
''" . ,, : ' ' , ~ ' :' ' : ' 2~3~8~;i8~
than as specifically described herein.
, , :" ,.
:. .
. ~ .
.
, ~' '
Claims (19)
1. A metered dispensing cap system for containers, which comprises:
(a) a base element attachable to the neck of a squeezable container having a sidewall portion and a top, and having an opening in said top for outflow of a material from a squeezable container into a meter element;
(b) a one-way valve located in said opening of said base element, permitting flow of material from a squeezable container through said open-ing and preventing backflow of material back into said container;
(c) a meter element having a sidewall portion and a top, and having an opening in said top for dispensing of material from said meter element, wherein the sidewall portion is slightly larger than and has the same cross-sectional shape as the sidewall portion of said base element, wherein said sidewall portion of said meter element is higher than and located about and encompasses the sidewall portion of said base, and wherein said meter element is vertically slidable along the sidewall portion of said base element, with an upward position whereby the meter element has a predetermined volume for receiving material from the opening at the top of said base element upon squeezing a squeezable container and a downward position whereby the top of the meter element becomes biased toward the top of the base element so as to dispense a metered amount of material through the opening at the top of said meter element; and, (d) means for closing and opening the opening in the top of said meter element.
(a) a base element attachable to the neck of a squeezable container having a sidewall portion and a top, and having an opening in said top for outflow of a material from a squeezable container into a meter element;
(b) a one-way valve located in said opening of said base element, permitting flow of material from a squeezable container through said open-ing and preventing backflow of material back into said container;
(c) a meter element having a sidewall portion and a top, and having an opening in said top for dispensing of material from said meter element, wherein the sidewall portion is slightly larger than and has the same cross-sectional shape as the sidewall portion of said base element, wherein said sidewall portion of said meter element is higher than and located about and encompasses the sidewall portion of said base, and wherein said meter element is vertically slidable along the sidewall portion of said base element, with an upward position whereby the meter element has a predetermined volume for receiving material from the opening at the top of said base element upon squeezing a squeezable container and a downward position whereby the top of the meter element becomes biased toward the top of the base element so as to dispense a metered amount of material through the opening at the top of said meter element; and, (d) means for closing and opening the opening in the top of said meter element.
2. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 1 wherein said base element is removably attached to the neck of a squeez-able container.
3. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 2 wherein said means for opening and closing said opening in the top of said meter element is a seperate cap removably at-tachable thereto.
4. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 2 wherein said meter element further contains protrusions for finger gripping of same to facilitate manual vertical movement thereof.
5. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 2 wherein said meter element has a rounded top to faciliate manual dis-pensing therefrom by pressing same against a stable surface.
6. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 2 wherein said sidewall portions of said base element and said meter element have cylindrical cross-sectional shapes.
7. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 2 wherein said system is entirely constructed of plastic materials.
8. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 1 which further comprises a squeezable container and wherein said base element is permanently attached to said squeezable con-tainer.
9. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 8 wherein said means for opening and closing said opening in the top of said meter element is a seperate cap removably at-tachable thereto.
10. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 8 wherein said meter element further contains protrusions for finger gripping of same to facilitate manual vertical movement thereof.
11. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 8 wherein said meter element has a rounded top to faciliate manual dispensing therefrom by pressing same against a stable surface.
12. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 8 wherein said sidewall portions of said base element and said meter element have cylindrical cross-sectional shapes.
13. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 8 wherein said system is entirely constructed of plastic materials.
14. The metered dispenser cap systems of claim 8 wherein said base element is permanently attached to said squeezable container by being integrally formed as a part of said container during its manufacture.
15. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 14 wherein said means for opening and closing said opening in the top of said meter element is a separate cap removably attachable thereto.
16. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 14 wherein said meter element further contains protrusions for finger grip-ping of same to facilitate manual vertical movement thereof.
17. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 14 wherein said meter element has a rounded top to faciliate manual dispensing therefrom by pressing same against a stable surface.
18. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 14 wherein said sidewall portions of said base element and said meter element have cylindrical cross-sectional shapes.
19. The metered dispenser cap system of claim 14 wherein said system is entirely constructed of plastic materials.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/302,339 US4875603A (en) | 1989-01-26 | 1989-01-26 | Metered dispensing cap for tubes |
| US302,339 | 1989-01-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2008584A1 true CA2008584A1 (en) | 1990-07-26 |
Family
ID=23167342
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002008584A Abandoned CA2008584A1 (en) | 1989-01-26 | 1990-01-25 | Metered dispensing cap for tubes |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4875603A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0380330A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2008584A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (31)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2643045B1 (en) * | 1989-02-14 | 1991-06-07 | Oreal | DOSER BOTTLE |
| US5186367A (en) * | 1991-02-21 | 1993-02-16 | Hickerson Frederick R | Measuring device for dispensing predetermined quantities of a liquid |
| US5184760A (en) * | 1991-10-11 | 1993-02-09 | Primary Delivery Systems, Inc. | Metered side dispensing cap for tubes |
| US5373972A (en) * | 1991-11-15 | 1994-12-20 | Jsp Partners, L.P. | Preservative-free sterile fluid dispensing system |
| AT406145B (en) * | 1992-02-19 | 2000-02-25 | Feichtinger Ernst Expan | Seal for containers |
| US5549224A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1996-08-27 | Wu; Ko-Hsiang | Liquid medicine container structure |
| US5593065A (en) * | 1995-04-10 | 1997-01-14 | Pakmax, Inc. | Metered dual dispenser cap for squeeze containers |
| US5636765A (en) * | 1995-06-09 | 1997-06-10 | Primary Delivery Systems, Inc. | Metered dispensing cap with manifold cover |
| US5855302A (en) * | 1996-12-18 | 1999-01-05 | Georgia-Pacific Corporation | Liquid dispensing cap valve assembly with pedestal mounted resilient valve seal element |
| US6142345A (en) * | 1998-01-16 | 2000-11-07 | Laible; Rodney | Closed loop dispensing system |
| US5988456A (en) * | 1998-01-16 | 1999-11-23 | Laible; Rodney | Closed loop dispensing system |
| FR2784968B1 (en) * | 1998-10-23 | 2000-12-01 | Oreal | METERING CAP AND CONTAINER PROVIDED WITH A METERING CAP according to the invention |
| US6450352B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 2002-09-17 | Dejonge Stuart W. | Child-resistant push and twist locking cap |
| US6202876B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 2001-03-20 | Primary Delivery Systems, Inc. | Push and twist locking child-resistant and container |
| US5967377A (en) * | 1999-03-25 | 1999-10-19 | Primary Delivery Systems, Inc. | Metered liquid dispenser with lift fill mechanism |
| US6186367B1 (en) | 1999-10-19 | 2001-02-13 | Valley Design Inc. | Metered liquid squeeze dispenser |
| US6702155B1 (en) | 2001-09-18 | 2004-03-09 | Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Metered dose dispenser |
| JP5112651B2 (en) * | 2006-06-12 | 2013-01-09 | 株式会社アルテコ | Adhesive container, method for producing adhesive container, and adhesive in container |
| US8083107B2 (en) * | 2009-04-09 | 2011-12-27 | Rodney Laible | Closed loop dispensing system with mechanical venting means |
| US8353428B2 (en) * | 2009-07-21 | 2013-01-15 | Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. | Volumetric metering fitment and package including the same |
| US20120160798A1 (en) * | 2010-12-22 | 2012-06-28 | Thomas Merlyn Acklam | Healthy Pour Serving Size Cap |
| WO2012100021A1 (en) * | 2011-01-20 | 2012-07-26 | Plastek Industries, Inc. | Liquid dosing dispenser |
| US8708203B2 (en) | 2012-05-07 | 2014-04-29 | Rl Innovations, Llc | Screw-on throat plug assembly |
| US20150338257A1 (en) * | 2014-05-21 | 2015-11-26 | Mark Fouad | Removable measuring cap and method of using same |
| US9574921B2 (en) * | 2014-07-25 | 2017-02-21 | Mezurware Llc | Dispensing devices for dispensing precise doses of liquid |
| US10131473B2 (en) | 2015-02-23 | 2018-11-20 | Henkel IP & Holding GmbH | Inverted bottle dispensing systems and methods |
| US10392239B2 (en) * | 2016-07-29 | 2019-08-27 | Berry Plastics Corporation | Liquid dispenser |
| US10948327B2 (en) | 2018-04-11 | 2021-03-16 | Berry Global, Inc. | Fitment or adapter for a fluid container |
| AR117432A1 (en) * | 2018-12-31 | 2021-08-04 | Dow Global Technologies Llc | DOSING CAP WITH ADJUSTABLE VOLUME |
| GB2586441B (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2022-01-12 | Prodromou Phrixos | Dispenser |
| WO2022047488A1 (en) * | 2020-08-28 | 2022-03-03 | The Regents Of The University Of California | Device and method for administering liquid to the ear canal |
Family Cites Families (24)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BE354134A (en) * | ||||
| US1926367A (en) * | 1931-06-05 | 1933-09-12 | Booth John Bertram | Liquid and semiliquid container |
| US1975545A (en) * | 1932-02-10 | 1934-10-02 | Homewood Leonard Richard | Collapsible tube and container for analogous purposes |
| US2205082A (en) * | 1938-05-16 | 1940-06-18 | Sears Roebuck & Co | Dispensing container |
| US2591455A (en) * | 1944-03-30 | 1952-04-01 | Colgate Palmolive Peet Co | Supporting and content dispensing attachment for collapsible tubes |
| US2904227A (en) * | 1957-05-06 | 1959-09-15 | Upjohn Co | Metering device for squeeze-type container |
| US2980302A (en) * | 1957-12-09 | 1961-04-18 | Alvin G Ash | Metering liquid dispenser |
| US3089623A (en) * | 1960-12-05 | 1963-05-14 | Nancee L Padzieski | Device for dispensing predetermined quantities of liquid |
| US3179300A (en) * | 1962-07-02 | 1965-04-20 | Guild Molders | Dispensing valve for squeezable tubes |
| US3190505A (en) * | 1962-10-15 | 1965-06-22 | Arbitman Dorothy | Liquid dispensing |
| US3246807A (en) * | 1963-05-13 | 1966-04-19 | Leeds & Micallef | Containers |
| US3220611A (en) * | 1964-08-14 | 1965-11-30 | Waldo H Zander | Wall mounted bracket and dispenser for collapsible tube |
| US3604593A (en) * | 1969-01-27 | 1971-09-14 | Alfred Curci | Safety closure effective both in the capped and uncapped state of the container |
| US4077547A (en) * | 1976-02-02 | 1978-03-07 | Donoghue Robert J | Measuring and dispensing apparatus |
| US4162449A (en) * | 1978-04-14 | 1979-07-24 | Bernard Bouyssounouse | Apparatus for communicating receipt of transmitted messages |
| USRE31408E (en) * | 1979-01-17 | 1983-10-11 | Joachim Czech | Dispenser for paste-like products with a manually actuatable piston |
| US4364492A (en) * | 1980-04-02 | 1982-12-21 | Kong Cheung T | Easy-dispensing safety cap |
| ZA821274B (en) * | 1981-03-26 | 1983-01-26 | Dagma Gmbh & Co | Method of and device for dispensing viscous concentrates of variable viscosity in accurately metered quantities of variable volume |
| US4376495A (en) * | 1981-06-01 | 1983-03-15 | Spatz Walter B | Device for adjusting dose dispensed |
| DE3137760A1 (en) * | 1981-09-23 | 1983-07-14 | Bayer Ag, 5090 Leverkusen | DEVICE FOR DOSING PASTOESE SUBSTANCES |
| US4548524A (en) * | 1982-07-22 | 1985-10-22 | Calumet Manufacturing Co. | Dispensing package with applicator surface |
| DE3683299D1 (en) * | 1985-03-14 | 1992-02-13 | Megaplast Dosiersysteme | DOSING PUMP WITH PUMP BELLOW ON BOTTLES OR THE LIKE. |
| US4795063A (en) * | 1985-11-29 | 1989-01-03 | Pentel Kabushiki Kaisha | Fluid discharging device |
| US4807785A (en) * | 1987-08-03 | 1989-02-28 | Pritchett Eddie J | Liquid dispensing device |
-
1989
- 1989-01-26 US US07/302,339 patent/US4875603A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1990
- 1990-01-24 EP EP90300763A patent/EP0380330A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-01-25 CA CA002008584A patent/CA2008584A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4875603A (en) | 1989-10-24 |
| EP0380330A1 (en) | 1990-08-01 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4875603A (en) | Metered dispensing cap for tubes | |
| US5127553A (en) | Metered liquid squeeze bottle | |
| US5184760A (en) | Metered side dispensing cap for tubes | |
| US3366284A (en) | Liquid metering dispenser container | |
| US5165576A (en) | Dispenser for measured quantities of liquid | |
| CA1047984A (en) | Dispensing apparatus for discharging liquid or creamy products | |
| US7350673B2 (en) | Metered dose squeeze dispenser | |
| US7331489B2 (en) | Metered dose squeeze dispenser having a dip tube with a rotatable leg | |
| US20090242588A1 (en) | Squeeze bottle and pump combination | |
| IE980530A1 (en) | Device for Expressing Substances from a Deformable Tube | |
| US20060108379A1 (en) | Metered dose squeeze dispenser with flexible-T dip tube | |
| US2979236A (en) | Dispenser caps for fluid containers | |
| US9423285B2 (en) | Medication dispenser | |
| US4564129A (en) | Dosage dispensing unit | |
| US2873050A (en) | Measuring and dispensing device | |
| US6155459A (en) | Spray dispenser | |
| US4684042A (en) | Container and follow plate assembly usable with viscous material dispensers having receiving ports of two different sizes | |
| US5405055A (en) | Self-measuring liquid pour dispenser | |
| US6702160B1 (en) | No spill container | |
| US3402860A (en) | Combination closure and liquid metering dispenser for squeeze bottles | |
| US5601217A (en) | Trigger activated leak-proof pourer | |
| US6565543B1 (en) | Drop dispensers | |
| GB2086845A (en) | Aerosol Valve | |
| US4193524A (en) | Dispensing device with two-way flow characteristic and half twist closure | |
| US4260078A (en) | Bottle attachment having outlet and vent |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |