EP0208390A1 - Spray cap and bottle engagement - Google Patents
Spray cap and bottle engagement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0208390A1 EP0208390A1 EP86301997A EP86301997A EP0208390A1 EP 0208390 A1 EP0208390 A1 EP 0208390A1 EP 86301997 A EP86301997 A EP 86301997A EP 86301997 A EP86301997 A EP 86301997A EP 0208390 A1 EP0208390 A1 EP 0208390A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- cap
- dog
- neck
- bottle
- bumper
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0008—Sealing or attachment arrangements between sprayer and container
- B05B11/001—Snap-on-twist-off type connections
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1042—Components or details
- B05B11/1043—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container
- B05B11/1045—Sealing or attachment arrangements between pump and container the pump being preassembled as an independent unit before being mounted on the container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
- B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
- B05B11/1042—Components or details
- B05B11/1052—Actuation means
- B05B11/1056—Actuation means comprising rotatable or articulated levers
- B05B11/1057—Triggers, i.e. actuation means consisting of a single lever having one end rotating or pivoting around an axis or a hinge fixedly attached to the container, and another end directly actuated by the user
Abstract
he invention includes a spray bottle (10) which including a bottle (12,12') and sprayer (14). The sprayer (14) includes a cap portion (22) which can be axially snapped onto the neck (13,13') of the bottle (12,12') during initial assembly. When it is desired to refill the bottle (12), the cap portion (22) can be twisted off of the bottle neck (13) by depressing the cap portion (22) to further compress a seal liner (501. This allows cap dogs (30) attached to the cap (22) to escape corresponding dog recesses (66) formed by the neck (13). The cap (22) can then be easily twisted off of the bottle neck (13). Once the bottle (12) has been refilled, the sprayer (14) can be reinstalled by simply twisting the cap portion (22) onto the neck (13), compressing the seal (50) to allow the dogs (30) to reenter the dog recesses (66). When it is desired to refill bottle (12'), the cap portion (22) is twisted off by overcoming the resistance posed by a pair of neck elements (80) which normally hold the cap dogs (30) in place.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for interconnecting bottles and bottle caps, and more particularly to techniques for engaging spray bottles and spray bottle caps wherein the caps can be axially snapped on and selectively rotationally removed and replaced to allow for refilling of the bottle.
- There are many known ways to attach bottle caps to bottles. Standard threaded connections, for example, are very commonly employed. Spray bottles have been found to be particularly useful for dispensing various household cleaning products, and the present invention is particularly directed to a new technique for attaching a sprayer cap to a bottle.
- A spray bottle is defined herein as having two major components: a bottle suitable for holding a liquid and a sprayer suitable for engaging the bottle and delivering the liquid in the form of a mist, spray or stream. In the past, the sprayer was typically mounted atop the bottle through the use of a standard threaded connection. In this case, the neck portion of the bottle has external threads and a cap operatively connected to the sprayer has mating internal threads. The cap is typically outwardly concentric with the sprayer and engages a lip on the sprayer to draw it into sealing engagement with the neck of the bottle.
- Typically, though not necessarily, the sprayer has a sprayer body, pivotally-mounted handle, piston and other moving parts, and a dip tube which is suitable for immersion in the liquid contained within the bottle. When the handle is activated, the piston within the sprayer creates a vacuum in the dip tube, thus drawing the liquid up into the body of the sprayer and forcing the liquid through a nozzle.
- In many cases, it is important that there be a good seal between the sprayer and the bottle. Although the sprayer will typically function in the absence of such a seal, it is desirable to avoid leakage of the liquid from the spray bottle. Many household cleaning liquids are sufficiently acidic or alkaline to create an annoyance if not a hazard should they inadvertently leak out of the spray bottle.
- It is also. preferable in many cases that the bottle be refillable. Manufacturers often are most interested in selling the liquid, not the spray bottle. Spray bottles are relatively expensive, particularly in view of the fact that the sprayers often include several moving parts, and cost-conscious consumers do not want to purchase an expensive spray bottle every time they buy additional cleaning liquid. Preferably, the bottle can be refilled any number of times without damaging the bottle or sprayer and without detrimentally affecting the seal between the bottle and the sprayer. Also, preferably, the cap of the sprayer can be easily removed and replaced. If the removal or replacement of the cap bottle requires excessive .force, it is more likely that the oftentimes corrosive liquid will be spilled. It is perceived that the safest way to remove a cap from a bottle is to twist the cap off of the bottle.
- On the other hand, it is perceived that initial assembly of the spray bottle at the manufacturing plant would be more economical if the cap were axially "snapped" onto the bottle. Such an operation would be faster than screwing or twisting the sprayer's cap onto the neck of the bottle. Also, the production equipment for simply "snapping" the sprayer onto the bottle would be simpler and less expensive. It is generally recognized that complex motions such as twisting or the like should be avoided on an automated assembly line if at all possible.
- Prior art spray bottles possess several shortcomings in view of the criteria set out above. As noted above, the most common sprayer/bottle connection scheme involves a threaded connection. An outwardly extending lip on the sprayer body is engaged by an internally threaded cap which is mateable with an externally threaded bottle neck. Although such a spray bottle readily permits refilling of the bottle, during initial assembly of the spray bottle the cap must be threaded into place, a relatively time consuming and expensive task.
- The present invention is directed to the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, the present invention includes a technique for connecting a sprayer cap to a bottle wherein they can initially be axially "snapped" together and can subsequently be readily disassembled and assembled by twisting the cap relative to the bottle neck, thereby permitting bottle refilling.
- Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a bottle having a neck suitable for axially engaging a spray cap without substantial rotation of the cap relative to the neck. Preferably, the cap is simply "snapped" onto the bottle neck during the initial assembly thereof.
- The bottle neck of the present invention includes a first neck surface suitable for operatively engaging a first cap surface to substantially prevent the axial disengagement of the cap and the neck in the absence of rotation of the cap relative to the neck. The neck of the present invention also includes a second neck surface suitable for operatively engaging a second cap surface, wherein the second surfaces have a normal state wherein they interfere to substantially prevent rotation of the cap relative to the neck. Further, the second surfaces of the cap and neck have a second state wherein they can be freely rotationally moved relative to one another to accommodate rotation of the spray cap relative to the neck and axial disengagement of the cap from the bottle. This second state is selectable by manipulating the cap relative to the neck.
- The bottle neck preferably includes a pair of diametrally spaced upper bumpers and a pair of diametrally spaced lower bumpers, with one each of the upper bumpers pairing up with one each of the lower bumpers to form a pair of dog guides. A neck element extends from each upper bumper toward the corresponding lower bumper proximate the lower end of the corresponding dog guide, which is preferably approximately spirally shaped. And, each upper bumper terminates at its lower end with an upper bumper ramp. Each upper bumper ramp, corresponding neck element and the lower end of the corresponding lower bumper form a dog recess suitable for holding the cap dog under normal conditions.
- In one embodiment, the neck element only partially spans the dog guide so as to create a dog escape between the lower end of the neck element and the lower bumper. In a second embodiment, the neck element completely spans the dog guide so as to form a "closed" dog recess.
- When it is desired to remove the spray cap from the first embodiment of the bottle, the spray cap and the bottle are axially pushed toward each other to align the cap dogs with the dog escapes so that the spray cap can be freely rotationally moved and the cap dogs can travel up the corresponding dog guides so as to disengage the spray cap from the bottle.
- To remove the spray cap from the second embodiment from the bottle, however, the spray cap must be twisted so as to force the cap dogs over the neck elements and into the main portion of the dog guides. Once the cap dogs have overcome the resistance of the neck elements, the cap can be freely rotated and the cap dogs will freely traverse the dog guide so that the cap can be freely removed from the bottle.
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- Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a spray bottle of the present invention, including a sprayer and bottle.
- Figure 2 is an exploded enlarged view of a portion of the spray bottle of Figure 1, illustrating the sprayer cap and the neck of the bottle.
- Figure 3 shows an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of the cap and neck of the spray bottle of Figure 1, wherein the seal ring is uncompressed and the cap is locked to the neck.
- Figure 4 shows an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of the cap and neck of the spray bottle of Figure 1, wherein the seal ring is compressed and the cap is rotationally free to move relative to the neck.
- Figure 5 shows an enlarged elevational view of the neck portion of a second bottle embodiment.
- The following is a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention and is intended to illustrate but not limit the invention. Referring to the drawing, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a
spray bottle 10 of the present invention. Thespray bottle 10 is of a type typically used for dispensing household cleaning liquids, and the following discussion will focus on this application of the invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the bottle configuration shown in Figure 1, nor is it limited to bottles which are suitable for dispensing liquid household cleaners. - The
spray bottle 10 includes abottle 12 and asprayer 14. Focusing on use of the invention for dispensing liquid household cleaners,bottle 12 is preferably plastic, e.g., high density polyethylene, and is preferably blow molded using conventional techniques.Bottle 12 preferably terminates with abottle neck 13 at its upper end, thebottle neck 13 being suitable for engaging thesprayer 14 as further described below. - The
sprayer 14 sits atopbottle 12 onbottle neck 13 and is preferably substantially of a conventional type. Thesprayer 14 includes asprayer body 16 which supports the various moving parts of thesprayer 14. Ahandle 18 is preferably pivotally mounted to thesprayer body 16 so that when thehandle 18 is depressed a piston (not shown) within thesprayer body 16 is operatively moved within a mating cylinder (not shown) to create a vacuum within the dip tube (shown in Figure 2) of thesprayer 14. Thesprayer 14 also includes anozzle 20 which forms an orifice suitably sized and configured to mist, spray or otherwise direct the liquid as it issues from thenozzle 20. Finally, thesprayer 14 also includes acap portion 22 at its lower end operatively connected to thesprayer body 16 for interconnecting thesprayer 14 and thebottle neck 13. Preferably, though not necessarily, thecap portion 22 is integral with thesprayer body 16. - The
sprayer 14 is preferably substantially comprised of injection molded plastic components with a preferred material being polypropylene. Generally, such sprayers are conventional and commercially available through Contico International, Inc., of St. Louis, Missouri. - The
cap portion 22 of thespray bottle 10 of the present invention is unique, however, as described below. Preferably, thecap portion 22 is molded with thesprayer body 16 such that the two portions of thesprayer 14 are integral. Alternatively, thecap portion 22 could be concentric and free spinning relative to thesprayer body 16. In that case, thecap portion 22 andsprayer body 16 would preferably be individually molded and later assembled. - Generally, the bottle operates as follows: when the
handle 18 is manipulated a vacuum is produced in the depending dip tube (shown in Figure 2) attached to thesprayer body 16. This vacuum in the dip tube in combination with atmospheric pressure on the upper surface of the liquid within the bottle cause the liquid to flow up the dip tube and into thesprayer body 16 where it is forced through the orifice ofnozzle 20 according to conventional and well known principles. - Figure 2 shows an enlarged exploded view of the
cap portion 22 and thebottle neck 13. Thecap portion 22 preferably includes a flexiblecylindrical portion 24 extending downward from thesprayer body 16. The flexiblecylindrical portion 24 is in the nature of a tube or cylindrical shell and is formed by a flexiblecap side wall 26. Theside wall 26 forms an axial opening which is in fluid communication with an opening (not shown) in thesprayer body 16. Thecap side wall 26 also preferably forms a pair oftransverse cap windows 28 to further increase the flexibility of thecylindrical portion 24. - The
cap side wall 26 also forms, toward its upper end, avalve case region 30 which is suitable for receiving a valve case 36 (discussed below). - The inner surface of the
side wall 26 also preferably carries a pair of diametrally spacedcap dogs 30 which project radially inward and which are preferably integral with thecap side wall 26, having been formed during the injection molding process. The cap dogs 30 preferably each have adog height 32 and adog width 34 as shown in Figure 2. The function of the cap dog-: 30 is further described below. - As noted above, the
cap portion 22 also includes avalve case 36, shown exploded away from thesprayer body 16 in Figure 2. Thevalve case 36 is also preferably injection molded plastic and fits into the valve case region 30-formed by the upper portion ofcap side wall 26. Anupper portion 38 of thevalve case 36 is sized to be frictionally held by the correspondingly sizedvalve case region 30. - The
valve case 36 carries a vent tube (not shown) for communicating atmospheric pressure to the liquid within thebottle 12 according to a well known technique. Thevalve case 36 also includes adip tube 42 which downwardly extends into thebottle 12 to pick up the liquid contained therein. - The
valve case 36 also includes a radially extending ring-like liner lip 44 which is positioned immediately below theupper portion 38. Theliner lip 44 includes a substantially horizontal andflat surface 46 which is suitable for being sealingly engaged by a compressible sealing member, discussed below. - Finally, extending downwardly from the
liner lip 44 is anapron 48. Theapron 48 is a thin cylindrical shell or tube which surrounds the vent tube (not shown) and thedip tube 42. The outside diameter ofapron 48 is less than the outside diameter ofliner lip 44, as shown in Figure 2. - The
cap portion 22 also preferably includes a ring-like foamedliner 50, in the nature of an 0-ring. The foamedliner 50 preferably has an outside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter ofliner lip 44 and an inside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter ofapron 48. Thus, theapron 48 can be inserted through the center of the foamedliner 50 and the foamedliner 50 can be pressed into sealing engagement with thelower surface 46 ofliner lip 44. The inner surface ofliner 50 is frictionally held by the outer surface ofapron 48 so that when thesprayer 14 is removed theliner 50 remains with it. - Preferably, the foamed
liner 50 is a foamed polyethylene or polyvinylchloride. Such foamed liners or rings are commercially available, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, St. Paul, Minnesota, being one company offering such liners. The height 52 and the effective durometer of theliner 50 are chosen so that thecap portion 22 andbottle neck 13 will function together in the manner described below. - Thus, the
upper portion 38 ofvalve case 36 is held byvalve case region 30 andliner 50 frictionally surroundsapron 48 immediately belowliner lip 44 adjacentlower surface 46. - Still referring to Figure 2,
bottle neck 13, the uppermost portion ofbottle 12, is primarily formed from aneck side wall 54 which has an inner diameter suitable for slidably receiving theapron 48 ofvalve case 36. The fit between these two parts is preferably an interference fit. The outside diameter ofneck side wall 54 is substantially equal to the outside diameter ofliner lip 44 and the uppermost surface of theneck side wall 54, aneck ridge 56, is configured to support the foamedliner 50 on its lowermost surface. Thus, when thecap portion 22 is operatively engaged with thebottle neck 13, the foamedliner 50 is compressed between theneck ridge 56 and thelower surface 46 ofliner lip 44. - Extending radially outward from the
neck side wall 54 areupper bumpers 58 andlower bumpers 60. Thebottle neck 13 preferably includes two sets of diametrally spacedbumpers bumpers bottle neck 13 corresponding to the twocap dogs 30 extending radially inward from thecap side wall 26 ofcap portion 22. The outside diameters ofbumpers cap side wall 26 so that thecap side wall 26 will slidably fit over thebumpers - Each
upper bumper 58 angles downward from theneck ridge 56 in a spiral fashion and terminates in anupper bumper ramp 62 which angles away and downward from the adjacentneck side wall 54. The upper bumper ramps 62 are diametrally spaced so as to Correspond with the spacing of the cap dogs 30. The cap dogs 30 each include an inclined surface which is suitable for slidably interacting with the correspondingupper bumper ramp 62 when thecap portion 22 is axially "snapped" onto thebottle neck 13, as further described below. - The
lower bumper 60 is vertically spaced from theupper bumper 58 so as to form an approximatelyspiral dog guide 64. Thedog guide 64 has a substantially cylindrical back wall formed byneck side wall 54. The distance betweenupper bumper 58 andlower bumper 60 is larger than thedog height 32 so as to freely allow thecorresponding cap dog 30 to travel through thedog guide 64. Thebumpers corresponding cap dog 30 so as to appropriately guide it to either engage or disengage thecap portion 22 and thebottle neck 13 as further described below. The depth or radial dimension of eachdog 30 is preferably slightly less than the difference between the bumper diameters and the diameter of theneck side wall 54 so that thedog 30 will freely pass through the correspondingdog guide 64. - At the lower end of each
dog guide 64 is adog recess 66 formed at one end by a substantiallyvertical dog stop 68 joining the lower ends of correspondingbumpers upper bumper ramp 62. Located counter clockwise relative to the dog stop 68 (as thebottle neck 13 is viewed from above) is a downwardly extendingneck element 70. Theneck element 70 is connected at its top end to theupper bumper 58 and theneck element 70 extends toward but does not connect to thelower bumper 60. The space between the lower end ofneck element 70 and thelower bumper 60 forms a dog escape 71. The dog escape 71 has anescape height 72 which is larger than thedog height 32 ofcap dog 30, for the reasons set out below. - Figures 3 and 4 are fragmentary cross-sectional views of the
cap portion 22 operatively engaged with thebottle neck 13. Figure 3 illustrates the "normal" condition of the spray bottle 10: theseal 50 is only moderately compressed and eachcap dog 30 is within the corresponding dog recess.66 formed by thebottle neck 13. Counterclockwise rotation of thecap portion 22 relative to thebottle 12 to remove thecap 22 is prevented by the interference between thedogs 30 and thecorresponding neck elements 70. Further, thesprayer 14 cannot simply be lifted off of thebottle 12 due to the interaction between the top surfaces of thedogs 30 and the bottom surfaces of the correspondingtop bumpers 58 adjacent the dog recesses 66. Thus thesprayer 14 andbottle 12 are locked together, and theresilient seal 50 urgesdogs 30 behindneck elements 70 and out of alignment with dog escapes 71 to maintain this locked state. - When access to the interior of the
bottle 12 is desired, e.g., to refill the bottle, thesprayer 14 can be removed by twisting it off of thebottle neck 13. First, however, thecap portion 22 must be depressed to further compress theseal 50 as shown in Figure 4. When the seal is sufficiently compressed, thedogs 30 will clear correspondingneck elements 70 and align with the corresponding dog escapes 71 to allow thecap portion 22 to be simply twisted off of thebottle neck 13. Thedogs 30 travel substantially spirally up the dog guides 64 as thecap 22 is twisted in a counterclockwise direction, thus axially drawing thecap portion 22 away from thebottle neck 13. Once thedogs 30 are beyond theupper bumpers 58 thesprayer 14 can be freely lifted out of engagement with thebottle 12. Thebottle 12 can then be refilled. - After the
bottle 12 has been refilled, thesprayer 14 can easily be twisted back into engagement with thebottle 12. Thedogs 30 are aligned with the dog guides 64 and thecap 22 is twisted in the clockwise direction. This causes thedogs 30 to spiral down theguide 64 until they come into contact with the correspondingneck elements 70. At this point thecap portion 22 is again depressed to compress theliner 50, thus aligning thedogs 30 with the dog escapes 71. Further clockwise rotation of thecap portion 22 causes thedogs 30 to enter the dog recesses 66 where they are securely held once theseal 50 acts to spring thecap 22 away from theneck 13. Figure 3 shows the locked state of thespray bottle 10 following the release ofcap 22. - It should be emphasized that the
sprayer 14 andbottle 12 are initially assembled by aligning the dogs 30 with their corresponding dog recesses 66 and forcing the two components axially together so that thedogs 30 "snap" over theupper bumpers 62. The wedging action of eachupper bumper ramp 62 on its correspondingdog 30 causes thedogs 30 to move radially outward. Theflexible portion 24 ofcap 22 "ovalizes" by increasing in diameter between thedogs 30 and decreasing in diameter perpendicular to this direction. Inclined dog ramps 74 (shown in Figures 3 and 4) on the lower edges ofdogs 30 interact with upper bumper ramps 62 to force this distortion ofcap 22 to enable thedogs 30 to drop into their corresponding dog recesses 66. - Figure 5 shows an elevational view of a bottle 12', a second embodiment of the present invention. The bottle 12' is substantially similar to
bottle 12 in most respects. It includes abottle neck 13' which carries a pair ofupper bumpers 58 and lower bumpers 60'. While the bumpers 58' and 60' are substantially triangular in cross section in contrast to thesolid bumpers bottle 12, they still form a substantially spiral dog guide 64' which is suitable for guiding the cap dogs 30 during the coupling and uncoupling of the bottle 12' and thesprayer 14. In addition, thesame sprayer 14 can be used forbottle 12 and bottle 12'. - In the case of bottle 12', however, the spiral dog guides 64' terminate in completely closed dog recesses 66'. Each closed recess 66' is formed on the top by an upper bumper ramp 62'; on the bottom by a lower bumper 60'; on the end of the dog guide 64' farthest from the upper lip of the bottle 12' by a dog stop 68'1 and at the "entrance" to the dog recess 66' by
neck element 80 which completely spans the gap between the corresponding upper bumper ramp 62' and lower bumper 60' adjacent the upper bumper ramp 62'. Thus, where eachneck element 70 ofbottle 12 extends only a portion of the distance between the respectiveupper bumper 58 andlower bumper 60, theneck elements 80 of bottle 12' completely span this distance to form "closed" dog recesses 66'. - During initial assembly, the
sprayer 14 can be axially snapped onto bottle 12' according to the procedure outlined above in connection withbottle 12. That is,sprayer 14 is positioned so that the diametrally spaced cap dogs 30 ofcap 22 align with the diametrally spaced dog recesses 66'. Thesprayer 14 and bottle 12' are then axially pushed together. This causes the cap dogs 30 to contact upper bumper ramps 62' thereby "ovalizing" thecap 22 and allowing thedogs 30 to fall into recesses 66'. Importantly, the initial assembly operation is the same forbottles 12 and 12' and therefore the same automated assembly equipment and methods can be used. Stated differently, the differences betweenbottles 12 and 12' are "invisible" to the assembly machines and procedures and they need not be modified when the type of bottle is changed. - Removing the
sprayer 14 from bottle 12' is different from removing thesprayer 14 frombottle 12, however. When bottle 12' is used, thedogs 30 are completely contained within recesses 66' following the intial assembly operation. Therefore, in order to twist thesprayer 14 out of engagement with bottle 12', dogs 30 must pass overneck elements 80. Thecap 12 ovalizes to some degree, anddogs 30 andneck elements 80 deform to allow thesprayer 14 to be removed from bottle 12' with a counterclockwise twist. This is in sharp contrast to the procedure for removingsprayer 14 frombottle 12, discussed above, wherein thesprayer 14 is pushed towardbottle 12 to compress theseal 50 and to aligndogs 30 with dog escapes 71. Thedogs 30 can then freely pass through escapes 71 and do not have to pass overneck elements 70. - Although the spray cap removal procedure is different for the two bottles, the
bottles 12 and 12' function in similar fashion. In both cases, thespray cap 14 is initially snapped in place whereby the cap dogs 30 are received bydog recesses 66 or 66'. Thespray cap 14 cannot be removed by simply reversing this procedure by virtue of intereference between the cap dogs 30 and the bottom surfaces of upper bumper ramps 62 or 62'. Thespray cap 14 can be twisted off, however, in both cases. Normally, the side surfaces ofcap dogs 30 are in contact withneck elements cap 14. Thespray cap 14 can be selectively removed frombottle 12 or 12', however, according to the procedures given above. In each case thespray cap 14 can be freely rotated out of engagement withbottle 12 or 12' once theseal 50 has been sufficiently compressed (for bottle 12) or once sufficient torque is applied tospray cap 14 to overcome the resistance provided byneck elements 80. - It should also be emphasized that the
sprayer 14 andbottle 12 or 12' should not generally be reassembled by "snapping" them together as described above in connection with the initial assembly procedure. If this procedure is attempted without the benefit of precise and powerful automated equipment, thebottle 12 or 12' might slip and spill out its contents. Smoothly twisting thecap 22 to remove it or attach it is perceived to be safer and easier when the assembly/disassembly operation is manual. - It should be emphasized that the present invention is not limited to any particular materials or combination of materials, and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. This description is intended to provide specific examples of individual embodiments which clearly disclose the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to these embodiments or to the use of elements having the specific configurations and shapes as presented herein. All alternative modifications and variations of the present invention which fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims are included.
Claims (10)
1. A bottle having a neck suitable for axially engaging a spray cap without substantial rotation of the cap relative to the neck, the cap having a first cap surface and a second cap surface, the neck comprising:
(a) a first neck surface suitable for operatively engaging the first cap surface to substantially prevent the axial disengagement of the cap and the neck in the absence of rotation of the cap relative to the neck; and
(b) a second neck surface suitable for operatively engaging the second cap surface, wherein when the cap and the neck are operatively engaged the second surfaces have a first normal state wherein they interfere to substantially prevent rotation of the cap relative to the neck and a second selectable state wherein they can be freely rotationally moved relative to one another to accommodate rotation of the spray cap relative to the neck and axial disengagement of the cap from the bottle.
2. The bottle according to claim 1, wherein:
(a) the spray cap comprises a spray cap wall and a cap dog projecting radially inward therefrom, wherein the cap dog comprises the first cap surface and the second cap surface; and
(b) the bottle neck comprises an upper bumper having upper and lower ends and a lower bumper having upper and lower ends wherein the upper and lower bumpers are axially spaced to form a dog guide suitable for accepting the cap dog.
3. The bottle according to claim 2, wherein the dog guide is approximately spiral. or 3
4. The bottle according to claim 21, wherein the lower end of the upper bumper comprises an upper bumper ramp having a ramp top surface and a ramp bottom surface, wherein the ramp top surface is suitable for slidably interacting with the cap dog and wherein the ramp bottom surface comprises the first neck surface.
5. The bottle according to claim 4, wherein the neck comprises a neck element proximate the upper bumper. ramp extending downward from the upper bumper toward the lower bumper, wherein the upper bumper ramp, the lower bumper and the neck element form a dog recess suitable for receiving the cap dog, and wherein the neck element comprises the second neck surface.
6. The bottle according to claim 5, wherein the neck element partially spans the dog guide, thereby forming a dog escape between the neck element and the lower bumper suitable for selectively admitting the cap dog, wherein when the cap dog is contained within the dog recess the second surfaces are in their first normal state, and the second surfaces are placed in their second selectable state by aligning the cap dog with the dog escape.
7. The bottle according to claim 5, wherein the neck element completely spans the dog guide to interconnect the upper and lower bumpers, wherein when the cap dog is contained within the dog recess the second surfaces are in their first normal state and the second surfaces are placed in their second selectable state by rotating the cap relative to the bottle until the resistance presented by the neck element has been overcome.
8. A bottle having a neck suitable for axially engaging a spray cap without substantial rotation of the cap relative to the neck, the cap having a pair of diametrally spaced cap dogs extending radially inward therefrom, the neck comprising:
(a) an upper ridge;
(b) a pair of diametrally spaced upper bumpers, each having an upper end proximate the upper ridge and a lower end;
(c) a pair of diametrally spaced lower bumpers, each having an upper end and a lower end and one each of which is paired with one each of the upper bumpers and axially spaced therefrom to form a cap dog guide suitable for excepting the corresponding cap dog;
(d) a pair of diametrally spaced upper bumpers ramps each of which is located adjacent the lower end of one of the upper bumpers
(e) a pair of diametrically spaced dog stops: one each of the dog stops spanning the cap dog guide between the lower end of a lower bumper and the lower end of its corresponding upper bumper; and
(f) a pair of neck elements, on each of the neck elements partially spanning one of the cap dog guides between the corresponding upper bumper and lower bumper to form a cap dog escape between the neck element and the corresponding lower bumper, wherein the neck element is circumferentially spaced from the corresponding dog stop by a distance sufficient to accommodate the corresponding cap dog, wherein a pair of cap dog recesses are formed, each recess being formed by one of the dog stops; the corresponding neck element; the upper bumper ramp; and the lower end of the lower bumper, wherein each of the cap dog recesses is suitable for axially accepting the corresponding cap dog when the cap and bottle are initially assembled, and wherein when it is desirable to remove the cap from the bottle the cap dogs can be aligned with their corresponding dog escape to permit free rotation of the cap dog through their corresponding cap dog guide to remove the cap from the bottle.
9. A spray bottle comprising:
(a) a spray cap having a first cap surface and a second cap surface; and
(b) a bottle according to any of claims 1 to 7.
10. A spray bottle comprising:
(a) a spray cap having a pair of diametrically spaced cap dogs projecting radially inward; and
(b) a bottle according to claim 8.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US72520585A | 1985-04-19 | 1985-04-19 | |
US76069085A | 1985-07-30 | 1985-07-30 | |
US760690 | 1985-07-30 | ||
US725205 | 2000-11-29 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0208390A1 true EP0208390A1 (en) | 1987-01-14 |
Family
ID=27111107
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP86301997A Withdrawn EP0208390A1 (en) | 1985-04-19 | 1986-03-19 | Spray cap and bottle engagement |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0208390A1 (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0477588A2 (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1992-04-01 | Wella Aktiengesellschaft | Apparatus for dispensing liquid from a clip-on container |
US5224653A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1993-07-06 | Nelson Irrigation Corporation | Modular sprinkler assembly |
EP0582701A1 (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1994-02-16 | Contico Int Inc | Liquid dispenser assembly with adaptor. |
WO1994013547A1 (en) * | 1992-12-15 | 1994-06-23 | Canyon Europe Ltd. | Snap-on twist off closure for containers |
US5366121A (en) * | 1990-05-30 | 1994-11-22 | Contico International, Inc. | Universal housing for fluid dispenser |
US5409168A (en) * | 1993-08-31 | 1995-04-25 | Nelson Irrigation Corporation | Positive latching cap for modular sprinkler assembly |
US5487507A (en) * | 1993-09-13 | 1996-01-30 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Quick release and connect nozzle assembly |
EP0845100A1 (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 1998-06-03 | AptarGroup, Inc. | Pump mounting systems for fixed or variable dose operation |
EP0867230A3 (en) * | 1997-03-28 | 1998-11-11 | Guala Dispensing S.P.A. | Bayonet coupling between a spray pump and a bottle of a substance to be sprayed |
WO2002042006A1 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2002-05-30 | Afa Polytek B.V. | Dispensing device and method for filling thereof |
EP1982770A2 (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2008-10-22 | Guala Dispensing S.P.A. | Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser |
FR2925033A1 (en) * | 2007-12-12 | 2009-06-19 | Valois Sas | FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER. |
FR2925031A1 (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2009-06-19 | Valois Sas | FIXING DEVICE AND DISTRIBUTOR COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE. |
WO2010072359A1 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2010-07-01 | Maxon Motor Ag | Kit for an electric motor having a rotary encoder |
WO2012092989A1 (en) * | 2011-01-07 | 2012-07-12 | Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa | Closure device for a container, and associated method for closing a container |
WO2017049331A1 (en) * | 2015-09-23 | 2017-03-30 | Mam Babyartikel Gesellschaft M.B.H. | Container |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3191814A (en) * | 1962-01-23 | 1965-06-29 | Drackett Co | Liquid dispenser |
GB2014233A (en) * | 1978-02-09 | 1979-08-22 | Adm Spa | Manually-operated atomizer pump |
EP0034998A2 (en) * | 1980-02-21 | 1981-09-02 | Albert Obrist AG | Screw cap and method of closing the mouth of a container |
GB2122692A (en) * | 1982-05-04 | 1984-01-18 | Sar Spa | Handpump for dispensing fluids |
US4454965A (en) * | 1981-08-27 | 1984-06-19 | Ethyl Products Company | Child-resistant trigger pump dispenser |
-
1986
- 1986-03-19 EP EP86301997A patent/EP0208390A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3191814A (en) * | 1962-01-23 | 1965-06-29 | Drackett Co | Liquid dispenser |
GB2014233A (en) * | 1978-02-09 | 1979-08-22 | Adm Spa | Manually-operated atomizer pump |
EP0034998A2 (en) * | 1980-02-21 | 1981-09-02 | Albert Obrist AG | Screw cap and method of closing the mouth of a container |
US4454965A (en) * | 1981-08-27 | 1984-06-19 | Ethyl Products Company | Child-resistant trigger pump dispenser |
GB2122692A (en) * | 1982-05-04 | 1984-01-18 | Sar Spa | Handpump for dispensing fluids |
Cited By (30)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5366121A (en) * | 1990-05-30 | 1994-11-22 | Contico International, Inc. | Universal housing for fluid dispenser |
EP0477588A2 (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1992-04-01 | Wella Aktiengesellschaft | Apparatus for dispensing liquid from a clip-on container |
EP0477588A3 (en) * | 1990-09-28 | 1992-06-24 | Wella Aktiengesellschaft | Container detachably affixed to an appatarus |
US5224653A (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1993-07-06 | Nelson Irrigation Corporation | Modular sprinkler assembly |
EP0582701A1 (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1994-02-16 | Contico Int Inc | Liquid dispenser assembly with adaptor. |
EP0582701A4 (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1995-02-22 | Contico Int Inc | Liquid dispenser assembly with adaptor. |
WO1994013547A1 (en) * | 1992-12-15 | 1994-06-23 | Canyon Europe Ltd. | Snap-on twist off closure for containers |
US5409168A (en) * | 1993-08-31 | 1995-04-25 | Nelson Irrigation Corporation | Positive latching cap for modular sprinkler assembly |
US5487507A (en) * | 1993-09-13 | 1996-01-30 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Quick release and connect nozzle assembly |
EP0845100A1 (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 1998-06-03 | AptarGroup, Inc. | Pump mounting systems for fixed or variable dose operation |
EP0845100A4 (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 1999-03-17 | Aptargroup Inc | Pump mounting systems for fixed or variable dose operation |
EP0867230A3 (en) * | 1997-03-28 | 1998-11-11 | Guala Dispensing S.P.A. | Bayonet coupling between a spray pump and a bottle of a substance to be sprayed |
US7178702B2 (en) | 2000-11-27 | 2007-02-20 | Afa Polytek, B.V. | Dispensing device and method for filling thereof |
CZ300987B6 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2009-10-07 | Afa Polytek B. V. | Dispensing device and filling method thereof |
WO2002042006A1 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2002-05-30 | Afa Polytek B.V. | Dispensing device and method for filling thereof |
NL1016714C2 (en) * | 2000-11-27 | 2002-06-06 | Afa Polytek Bv | Dosing device and method for filling it. |
EP1982770A2 (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2008-10-22 | Guala Dispensing S.P.A. | Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser |
EP2039435A2 (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2009-03-25 | Guala Dispensing S.P.A. | Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser |
US7980427B2 (en) | 2007-04-18 | 2011-07-19 | Guala Dispensing, S.P.A. | Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser |
EP2039435A3 (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2009-07-01 | Guala Dispensing S.P.A. | Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser |
EP1982770A3 (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2009-07-01 | Guala Dispensing S.P.A. | Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser |
US7841491B2 (en) | 2007-04-18 | 2010-11-30 | Guala Dispensing S.P.A. | Closing system for a container, for example for trigger dispenser |
FR2925033A1 (en) * | 2007-12-12 | 2009-06-19 | Valois Sas | FLUID PRODUCT DISPENSER. |
WO2009080980A1 (en) * | 2007-12-12 | 2009-07-02 | Valois Sas | Fluid product dispenser |
US8292132B2 (en) | 2007-12-12 | 2012-10-23 | Aptar France Sas | Fluid dispenser |
FR2925031A1 (en) * | 2007-12-13 | 2009-06-19 | Valois Sas | FIXING DEVICE AND DISTRIBUTOR COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE. |
WO2010072359A1 (en) | 2008-12-16 | 2010-07-01 | Maxon Motor Ag | Kit for an electric motor having a rotary encoder |
WO2012092989A1 (en) * | 2011-01-07 | 2012-07-12 | Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa | Closure device for a container, and associated method for closing a container |
WO2017049331A1 (en) * | 2015-09-23 | 2017-03-30 | Mam Babyartikel Gesellschaft M.B.H. | Container |
US11400025B2 (en) | 2015-09-23 | 2022-08-02 | Mam Babyartikel Gesellschaft M.B.H. | Container |
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Legal Events
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE DE FR GB IT SE |
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RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: ECOLAB, INC. |
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Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
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18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 19871015 |
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RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: SLEDGE, LARRY CHARLES Inventor name: DWYER, PATRICK J. Inventor name: DENNIS, STEPHEN R. |