Abstract
A dispenser for substances includes an outer shell with a deformable outer wall which encloses the deformable container arrangement and at least one balancing valve for balancing air, wherein an air filled intermediary gap is located between the outer wall and the container arrangement and the dispenser is configured to dispense substances after pressure loading the outer shell, wherein the container arrangement includes at least two containers and a common dispensing head are connected with each other pressure tight in at least one portion, and wherein at least one of the containers includes self-closing filling valves which are configured to be openable by pressure during filling the at least two containers.
Claims
1. A dispenser for substances, comprising: an outer shell with a deformable outer wall which envelops a deformable container arrangement and at least one balancing valve for balancing air; wherein an air filled intermediary gap is located between the outer wall and the container arrangement and the dispenser is configured to dispense substances after pressure loading the outer shell; wherein the container arrangement includes at least two containers for separate storage of liquid or pasty substances; wherein the at least two containers are each sealingly connected with a common dispensing head; and wherein the dispensing head includes a self-closing filling valve which is configured to be openable by pressure during filling at least one of the at least two containers.
2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least two containers are filled with substances that have substantially similar viscosities.
3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least two containers comprise at least one of a thermoplastic plastic material, a metal foil, a multilayer foil, and a metal coating.
4. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least two containers comprise foil bags with plural seal seams.
5. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the at least two containers are combined as multi chamber bags.
6. The dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising: an applicator that is connected with the outer shell, wherein the at least two containers are connected with the applicator through channels for separately feeding the substances.
7. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least two containers are at least one of replaceable and refillable containers.
8. The dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the dispenser includes a removable cover comprising at least one of a screw top and plug in closure.
9. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the containers respectively include a tube with openings.
10. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the balancing valve is arranged in at least one of the outer wall and the dispensing head, and wherein the balancing valve comprises at least one of a ball valve and a needle valve.
11. The dispenser according to claim 10, further comprising: a gravity actuated sealing ball supported in a cage.
12. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the balancing valve is configured to be pressure loaded with compressed air for bleeding the containers of the liquid or pasty substances.
13. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises an oval cross section configuration.
14. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser includes a cover.
15. The dispenser according to claim 14, wherein the cover is configured to close an outlet opening sealed tight, and wherein the outlet opening is adjacent to a mixing element.
16. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the outer shell includes a circular sealing lip and the dispensing head includes a circumferential seal lip that engages the circular sealing lip.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Further advantages features and details of the invention can be derived from the subsequent description of advantageous embodiments of the invention with reference to drawing figures, wherein:
(2) FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c illustrate schematic representations of a dispenser according to the invention in a perspective view and into longitudinal sectional views that are offset by 90°;
(3) FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e and 2f illustrate several views of a dispensing head provided at the dispenser;
(4) FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate two views of an oval outer shell of the dispenser;
(5) FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d illustrate a plural views of an unfilled container that is configured as a bag;
(6) FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a dispenser in an advantageous upside down operating position;
(7) FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d illustrate a plural views of an advantageous applicator;
(8) FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate a schematic view of an advantageous dispenser into longitudinal sectional views (offset relative to each other by 90°);
(9) FIGS. 8a, 8b and 8c illustrate a plural views of an inner component (so called enveloping sleeve) of the dispensing head and two perspective views of the outer shell which is arranged below the dispensing head;
(10) FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate a dispenser in upside down position as an advantageous operating position;
(11) FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the dispenser in the filling position;
(12) FIGS. 11a and 11b illustrate an embodiment similar to the embodiment in FIGS. 7a and 7b; and
(13) FIGS. 11c and 11d illustrate an enlarged partial view of the embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 11a and 11b.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(14) FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate an embodiment of the dispenser 10 according to the invention which includes two containers 11a, b. The containers 11a, b are thus arranged in an outer shell 13 of the dispenser 10 wherein the exterior shell is made from a deformable material, for example PE, PP or PET. The outer wall 12 of the outer shell 13 is configured easily deformable, in particular provided in an oval shape so that it is easily apprehensible by a human hand. Since the dispenser 10 is stored in a stand up position as illustrated in FIG. 1 the deformability of the outer wall 12 is selected so that the outer shell 13 facilitates a safe standing storage of the dispenser. The containers 11a, b arranged in an interior of the outer shell 13 are also made from a deformable material wherein the material thickness however can be very thin, in particular the material can be a foil. Between the containers 11a, b and the outer wall 12 of the outer shell 13 there is an intermediary space 14 which is filled with exterior air through a balancing valve 23 that is described infra (c.f. FIGS. 1a-1c), right sectional view. The dispenser 10 also includes a screw top 10′ which covers the dispenser 10 (herein with an applicator 24, c.f. FIGS. 6a-6d) and the ventilation hole of the balancing valve 23 dust proof in order to prevent contamination during extended storage.
(15) In the left sectional view (centrally through the narrow side of the dispenser) the filled containers 11a, b are visible which adjoin the dispensing head 15 together with their dispensing openings 18a, b and with their filling valves 19, in particular for liquids. The dispenser 10 illustrated herein is a disposable container, wherein the containers 11a, b are not replaceable. In order to apply the cover 10′, a thread 16′ is provided herein (c.f. FIGS. 2a-2f). The output openings 18a, b for the stored substances in the embodiment are configured as spouts and thus provide a separate output of the substance stored in the containers 11a, b so that mixing can only be performed subsequently in the outlet from the applicator 24 or while being let out from the applicator 24. When the outer shell 13 and the dispensing head 15 are configured reusable the containers 11a, b can be removed after removing the dispensing head from the outer shell 13 (c.f. interlocking connection 15a/13a in FIGS. 2a-2f, 3a and 3b) and the containers can be replaced with “new containers 11a, b”. The dispensing head 15 or the applicator 24 (c.f. FIGS. 6a-6d) includes mandrel shaped protrusions 20 at a lower end (c.f. FIGS. 6a-6d) wherein the mandrel shaped protrusions are inserted above the filling valves 19 and press the filling valves into an open position by snap locking the dispensing head that is reapplied to outer shell 13.
(16) The balancing valve 23 illustrated in the right sectional view is embodied as a ball valve and facilitates air access in the position of FIGS. 1a-1c, but prevents letting out air in the overhead operating position (c.f. FIGS. 5a and 5b). In addition to an embodiment as gravity actuated ball valve as illustrated in FIGS. 1a-1, 5a and 5b there is also the option to provide the balancing valve as a needle valve.
(17) FIGS. 2a-2f illustrates the dispensing head 15 and plural sectional views along the sectional lines A-A (broadside) and B-B (narrow side). In the left lower sectional view of FIGS. 2a-2f no filling valves are provided in the output openings 18a, b differently from the left upper sectional view in FIGS. 1a-1c since the filling valves are not necessarily required for the pasty substances but are required for liquids. Furthermore a circumferential seal lip 15b is visible which interacts closely with the upper edge 13b (c.f. FIGS. 3a and 3b) of the outer shell 13 so that the entire arrangement besides the balancing valve is configured pressure tight. When the dispenser 10 is arranged as a disposable arrangement interlocking connection 5a/13a can be replaced by a permanent welded connection of the dispensing head 15 with the outer shell 13. Additionally there is the option that the inner containers 11a, b are inserted into the outer shell 13 and the outer shell 13 is welded thereafter. The two or more containers 11a, b can also be connected with the outer wall 12 in the one way configuration. By the same token the two or more containers can also be coupled with each other by tube 17 leading to the output openings 18a, b (c.f. FIGS. 4a-4d). These tubes 17 with openings 17′ stabilize the containers 11a, b made from a thin wall material like e.g. foil and prevent a collapsing of the containers caused by progressive depletion. In the embodiment the substances stored in the containers 11a, b are put out by an applicator 24 that is centrally arranged on a top side of the dispenser 10.
(18) The applicator 24 that is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 6a-6d includes 2 channels 28 for separately feeding the substances stored in the containers 11a, b wherein the output is provided at an annular gap 27 which is interrupted by a connecting bar 25. This embodiment provides a separate feeding of the substances to the applicator 24 or to a top side with a cambered applicator surface 29. An applicator 24 of this type is described in more detail in DE 20 2011 002 558 U1.
(19) As described supra an intermediary space 14 that is filled with the air is arranged between the outer wall 12 of the dispenser 10 and the containers 11a, b. This intermediary space 14 assures even distribution of pressure imparted upon the outer wall 12 which is necessary for retrieving the substances from the containers 11a, b. After retrieving a particular amount of a substance (in the operating or upside down position according to FIGS. 5a and 5b) outside air flows through the balancing valve 23 into the intermediary space 14 such that even pressure distribution is in turn provided and the outer wall 12 of the dispenser 10 is brought back into its starting position. The dispenser 10 that is put right side up again as illustrated in FIGS. 1a-1c thus has sufficient stand safety and looks full.
(20) FIGS. 4a-4d illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the unfilled or empty containers 11a, b configured as foil bags which are welded with seal seams 11c. The seal seams can have any shape. It is also possible to combine two containers 11a, b by continuous seal seams 11c to form a two cavity bag which is then inserted into the outer shell 13. The outer wall 12 eventually determines the looks of the dispenser 10 and thus contributes to its differentiation.
(21) In addition to the illustrated arrangement of two containers 11a, b with identical volume there is also the option that the containers 11a, b have different volumes. Additionally the dispensing head 15 or the applicator 24 can have diameter reduced output openings 18a, b, so that a constant ratio of substances is always put out when the dispenser 10 is evenly loaded with pressure. For example an additive mixing of a smaller amount of a substance to a larger amount of additional substances can be performed. This is advantageous for example when the dispenser 10 is used for multi component glues which only require a small additive mixing of a hardener. Besides the use with glues there is certainly also the option to use the dispenser 10 for cosmetics, wherein for example a connection of the substances for forming for example a care substance is only performed when the substances exit the dispenser 10. Through the configuration of the applicator 24 as illustrated in FIGS. 6a-6d a spreading of the cosmetic substances exiting from the dispenser 10 can be performed during application, for example on the skin or on the lips.
(22) According to FIGS. 5a and 5b the dispenser 10 also includes an applicator 24 that is adjoined on a right side by the balancing valve 23. This prevents an exit of air from the intermediary space 14 of the dispenser 10 in the upside down position with the downward dropping sealing ball against a sealing seat, so that the container 11a, b can be compressed upon a manual pressure loading of the outer wall 12 and the substances are put out. After rotating out of the overhead position wherein the sealing ball 23a falls back again gravity induced within the cage 23b, c.f. position in FIGS. 1a-1c, air can flow in through the balancing valve 23. The embodiment according to FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrates a modified version of the cover 10″ namely with a spout shaped extension which can be cleaned after a use using the plug on cap (c.f. DE 20 2008 015 776 by the applicant).
(23) In addition to the configuration of the applicator 24 with a defined diameter of the output openings 18a, b also using an adjustable system is feasible where a cross section or a size of the output openings 18a, b is variable as a function of the amount to be dispensed. The dispenser 10 according to the invention thus forms a cost effective alternative to dispensers 10 with pumps and thus facilitates a relatively precise dosing or a precisely adjustable mixing ratio of the dispensed substances due to the air filled intermediary space 14 due to the absolutely identical pressure ratios which impact the containers 11a, b arranged in the dispenser 10 since the containers 11a, b are arranged in the same pressure cavity or outer shell 13.
(24) In particular the balancing valve 23 in particular in combination with the filling valves 19 in the containers 11a, b facilitates effective filling of the containers 11a, b so that a compressed air connection can be applied to the balancing valve 23 so that the intermediary space 14 of the preassembled can be loaded with compressed air. Since the outer shell 13 and the dispensing head 15 are sealed e.g. through the seal lip 15b and the applied upper edge 13b the air pressure impacts the inserted containers 11a, b and presses them flat, thus almost evacuates them. Then a commercial filling head can be applied to the openings 18a, b (c.f. in particular FIGS. 2a-2f center perspective view) for both substances so that the components can be filled in the containers 11a, b substantially without air, this is particularly important for a subsequent uniform feeding out the dispenser 10. After removing the filling head the filling valves 19 or pasty substances close the dispensing openings 18a, b until the dispenser is used or an applicator is applied which opens the output openings 18a, b with the spike shaped protrusions 20.
(25) FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrates another embodiment of the dispenser 10 according to the invention which includes 2 containers 11a, b as a container arrangement 11 in this embodiment. The containers 11a, b are thus arranged with their upper portion (outlet portion 13c) within an outer shell 33 of the dispenser 10 wherein the outer shell is made from a relatively stable plastic material PE or PP. Like in the embodiment according to FIG. 1-6 wherein identical reference numerals are used for like components the outer wall 12 that adjoins in downward direction is configured more easily deformable relative to the more stable outer shell 33 so that it can be gripped and squeezed by a human hand. The deformability of the outer wall 12 is selected so that it facilitates a safe standing set up of the dispenser 10 together with the outer shell 33 unless a cambered base 10″ is provided like in this case. The containers 11a, b that are arranged in an interior of the outer wall 12 are also made from a deformable material wherein a material thickness however can be very small, in particular like a foil. Between the containers 11a, b and the outer wall 12 there is an intermediary space 14 which is filled with outside air through the balancing valve 23 described supra, c.f. FIGS. 1a-1c left sectional view. The dispenser 10 also includes a cover 10′ c.f. also FIGS. 9a and 9b in open condition which covers the dispenser 10 and the ventilation hole of the balancing valve 23 dust proof in order to prevent contamination during long term storage.
(26) In the right sectional view of FIG. 7b (centrally through the cylindrical dispenser 10) the filled containers 11a and 11b are visible wherein the containers transition with their dispensing openings 18a, b and the outlet portion 13c into a dispensing head 15. The dispensing openings 18a, b for the stored substances are configured spout shaped in the embodiment and facilitate a separate output of the substance stored in the containers 11a, b so that a mixing can only be performed subsequently in the outlet or during exit from the dispensing head 15. When the outer shell 33 and the dispensing head 15 are configured as reusable arrangements, the containers 11a, b can be retrieved after removing the dispensing head 15 from the outer shell 33 (c.f. snap locking connections 15a/13a) and can be replaced with new containers 11a, b. The dispensing head 15 includes lugs 15a in its lower portion which engage a respective upper groove 13a (c.f. also FIGS. 8a-8c of the outer shell 33). Thus also a second lower groove 13a is provided at a distance from the outlet portion 13c. Compared to the position illustrated herein the dispensing head 15 can be pressed even further downward, so that the lugs then engage a second lower groove 13a (c.f. FIGS. 9a and 9b and also FIGS. 11a and 11b) so that subsequently described spikes or points 16a penetrate or open a diffusion seal 17a.
(27) The balancing valve 23 illustrated in the left sectional view of FIG. 7a is configured as a ball valve in the embodiment and facilitates air access in the position in FIGS. 7a and 7b, however prevents air exit in the upside down cooperating position (c.f. FIGS. 9a and 9b). In addition to an embodiment as a gravity actuated ball valve as illustrated herein there is also the option to provide the balancing valve 23 as needle valve. An extension of the balancing valve 23 is thus configured similar to the outlet portion 13c as a “turret” which can be used as a filling valve 19 during filling of contents (c.f. FIG. 10).
(28) FIGS. 8a-8c, upper perspective view illustrates a circumferential or enveloping sleeve 16 inserted into the dispensing head 15 from below which includes 2 points 16a in its interior (c.f. FIGS. 7a, 7b, 9a and 9b) which are used for penetrating or opening the diffusion seal 17 when the dispensing head 15 is pressed further downward from the position in FIGS. 7a and 7b (lugs 15a in upper position) and interlocks there in the grooves 13a.
(29) In the center perspective view of FIGS. 8a-8c the cap shaped outer shell 13 is illustrated as a base portion of the dispensing head 15 from below. Thus the boundaries for the dispensing openings 18a, b are visible together with the integrally cast cage 23b of the balancing valve 23 and a seal lip or seal edge 15c for a tight connection with the outer wall 12 (c.f. FIGS. 7a and 7b). In the lower perspective view of FIGS. 8a-8c the spout shaped dispensing openings 18a, b which essentially form the outlet portion 13c are visible and the filling valve 19 recited supra. The tubes 17 leading to the dispensing openings 18a, b are advantageously coupled together. These tubes 17 with openings 17′ stabilize the containers 11a, b made from a thin wall material like e.g. foil and prevent them from collapsing while being depleted. Through these spouts of the dispensing openings 18a, b an additional diffusion seal 17a in particular made from metal is applied (c.f. FIG. 10) or sealed with a multi-layer foil or by vapor deposition in order to prevent oxygen access to the substance over a long time. In the embodiment putting out the substances stored in the containers 11a, b is performed through a central outlet 18c (c.f. FIGS. 9a and 9b) arranged on top side of the dispenser 10.
(30) As described supra there is an intermediary space 14 between the outer wall 12 of the dispenser 10 and the containers 11a, b which is filled in air. This intermediary space 14 facilitates an even distribution of pressure applied to the outer wall 12 wherein the pressure is required for removing the substances from the containers 11a, b. After removing a certain amount of a substance in the operating position or upside down position according to FIGS. 9a and 9b outside air flows through the balancing valve 23 into the intermediary space 14 and causes on the one hand side that an even pressure distribution is provided during the next retrieval of substance and on the other hand side that the outer wall 12 of the dispenser 10 is brought back into its starting position.
(31) In addition to the arrangement of two containers 11a, b with identical volumes there is also the option for the containers 11a, b to have different volumes. Furthermore the dispensing head 15 can have diameter reduced dispensing openings 18a, b so that a respective ratio of substances is put out for an even pressure loading of the dispenser 10. For this embodiment of the dispenser 10 then for example an additive mixing of a smaller amount of a substance to a larger amount of additional substances can be performed. This is advantageous for example when the dispenser 10 is used for multi component glues which only require additive mixing of a small amount of hardener. Besides a use with glues there is certainly also an option to use the dispenser 10 for cosmetics, wherein a connection of the substances performing for example a care substance is only performed when the substances exit the dispenser 10. Using an applicator a spreading of the cosmetic substances exiting from the dispenser 10 can be performed during spreading, for example on the skin or on the lips.
(32) According to FIGS. 9a and 9b the sealing ball 23a that drops in the upside down position downward against a seal seat prevents an exit of air from the intermediary space 14 of the dispenser 10 so that the containers 11a, b are compressed for a manual pressure loading of the outer wall 12 and the substances are being dispensed. After rotating out of the upside down position wherein the sealing ball 23a drops back again gravity induced within the cage 23, c.f. position in FIGS. 7a and 7b an inflow of air can be provided through the balancing valve 23. The dispenser 10 is advantageously stored lying flat after utilization as commenced by opening the diffusion seal 17.
(33) Additionally the balancing valve 23 together with the filling valve 19 in the containers 11a, b facilitates an effective filling of the containers 11a, b as illustrated in FIG. 10. Thus a compressed air connection can be applied to the balancing valve 23 through the filling valve 19 so that the intermediary space 14 of the preassembled dispenser 10 can be loaded with compressed air. Thus the air pressure impacts the inserted still empty containers 11a, b and presses them flat thus essentially with no air in them. Then a typical filling head for both substances can be applied to the adjacent openings 18a, b so that the components are filed into the containers 11a, b essentially without air. This is relevant in particular for a subsequent even feeding out of the dispenser 10 but also for storing oxidation sensitive materials. After removing the filling head the diffusion seals 17a, in particular provided as aluminum caps are applied to the spout shaped dispensing openings 18a, b as well as the dispensing head 15 initially similar to the position in FIGS. 7a and 7b wherein the diffusion seal 17a are not yet perforated. For operations the dispensing head 15 is then pressed further so that the lugs 15a interlock in the lower groove 13a and the diffusion seal 17a is penetrated by the spikes 16a. Thus the spikes 16a operate similar to the protrusions 20 in FIGS. 6a-6d. Furthermore a blocking ball 21 is advantageously inserted into the respective dispensing opening 18a, b wherein the blocking ball 21 can seal the container arrangement 11 also without spring loading (c.f. compression spring in FIGS. 1a-1c) as will be described infra.
(34) FIGS. 11a-11d illustrates a modified embodiment similar to the illustration in FIGS. 7a and 7b. Therefore the same reference numerals apply accordingly as in the preceding description. In the right illustration thus only over the right dispensing opening 18a an aluminum cap is drawing as a diffusion seal 17a for emphasis in a thicker line. In practical applications the diffusion seal 17a can be very thin, e.g. also configured as a coating or vapor deposition with thus it is sufficient that the substance carrying central outlet portion 13c is coated, wherein also the entire cap shaped outer shell 13 can be vapor deposited. Thus the outer shell 13 can be injection molded with economical plastic materials.
(35) As stated supra a respective blocking ball 21 made from metal or glass is inserted within the dispensing openings 18a, b in a particularly advantageous embodiment (c.f. FIG. 10 in the idle position) which is pressed further downward by the mandrel shaped spikes 16a for operating the dispenser 10, thus the blocking ball is opened together with the diffusion seal 17a in that the dispensing head 15 (from the left position) is pressed downward (into the right end position) and then interlocked in the lower groove 13a. In FIGS. 11a and 11b, left illustration an intermediary position is shown into which respective blocking ball 21 is pressed after filling relative to the idle position in FIG. 10 by the known filling head into a central contraction. Thus the container content is safely sealed for long term storage. Above and below this contraction small radial bars 21′ are formed into the dispensing opening 18a, b so that the respective filling can be performed in the upper position of the blocking head 21 (c.f. FIG. 10) quickly and unimpeded so that the blocking ball 21 is pressed into the center position at the contraction thereafter so that the containers 11a, b are safely sealed. For a subsequent use of the dispenser 10 the dispensing head 15 is pressed down further (FIGS. 11a and 11b, right illustration) so that the spikes 16a or similar protrusions 20 do not only puncture the diffusion seals but also move the blocking balls 21 from the center contraction (sealing position) downward into the expended portion so that the respective substance can flow out easily.
REFERENCES AND DESIGNATIONS
(36) 10 dispenser 10′ cover 10″ base 11a, b container 11c sealing seam 12 outer wall 13 outer shell 13a grooves 13b upper edge 13c outlet portion 14 intermediary space 15 dispensing head 15a lugs 15b seal lip of dispensing head 16 enveloping sleeves 16a points 16′ thread 17 tube 17′ openings 17a diffusion seal 18a, b dispensing opening 18c central outlet 19 filling valve 20 protrusion 21 blocking ball 21′ radial bars 23 balancing valve 24 applicator 25 connecting bar 27 annular gap 28 channels 29 application surface 33 outer shell
