SPRAYING DISPENSER WITH LEAK-PROOF VENT

Abstract

A dispenser that also serves as a closure for transportable containers is described. The dispenser includes a trigger or other similar mechanism in which air must be admitted back into the container, usually by way of aperture. An insert is fitted into the aperture, with one or more tortuous paths circumscribed around the insert so as to permit air flow while simultaneously impeding and effectively preventing liquid from flowing out of the aperture when the container is inverted or otherwise rotated numerous times beyond its intended dispensing position (e.g., as might occur during transportation).

Claims

1. A container comprising: a dispenser selectively ejecting fluid from a sealed container when the dispenser is actuated; a venting component forming a tortuous flowpath circumscribed on a plurality of facings of the component; and a venting aperture on the dispenser, said venting aperture communicating with the tortuous flowpath when the dispenser to selectively admit ambient air into the container.

2. The container according to claim 1 wherein the venting component comprises an insert fitted within a void space on an interior of the dispenser, said void space disposed between a pump and the venting aperture.

3. The container according to claim 2 wherein the tortuous flowpath includes a passageway that orthogonally changes direction at least once on at least one facing of the component.

4. The container according to claim 3 wherein the orthogonal change of direction occurs on every facing of the component.

5. The container according to claim 2 wherein the tortuous flowpath forms at least one U shape on at least one of the facings of the component.

6. The container according to claim 2 wherein the tortuous flowpath forms a U shape on every of the component.

7. The container according to claim 2 wherein the tortuous flowpath forms at least one shape on each facing and wherein the at least one shape is selected from: a U shape, an S shape, a C shape, a V shape, a W shape, an N shape, an M shape, a 3 shape, combinations of any two or more shapes, and repeating patterns of similar or differing shapes.

8. The container according to claim 2 wherein the component is a polygonal cylinder with a plurality of sidewalls and the tortuous flowpath is circumscribed on at least two of the sidewalls.

9. The container according to claim 8 wherein the polygonal cylinder has four side facings.

10. The container according to claim 2 wherein the component includes a top facing and the tortuous flowpath is circumscribed on the top facing.

11. The container according to claim 10 wherein the top facing is angled so that at least one sidewall has a longer length than a sidewall positioned opposite thereto.

12. The container according to claim 10 wherein the component includes a plurality of side facings and at least one of those side facings is concave or convex relative to other side facings.

13. The container according to claim 1 wherein the venting component cooperates with at least one of: a closure, the dispenser, and the container to define the tortuous path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any information on/in the drawings is both literally encompassed (i.e., the actual stated values) and relatively encompassed (e.g., ratios for respective dimensions of parts). In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the invention as if fully rewritten herein. Unless otherwise stated, all dimensions in the drawings are with reference to inches, and any printed information on/in the drawings form part of this written disclosure.

[0030] In the drawings and attachments, all of which are incorporated as part of this disclosure:

[0031] FIG. 1 is a three dimensional cross sectional view of dispenser having a conventional venting aperture in communication with the pump, with arrows L indicating potential pathways through which fluid may escape when the container is inverted or otherwise handled (e.g., as might occur during shipping).

[0032] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional side view of a dispenser incorporating a “burp-free” insert to prevent unwanted leakage out of the container/dispenser combination according to certain aspects of the invention.

[0033] FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C are three dimensional illustrations of the insert appropriate for use in the combination shown in FIG. 2, with each shown from a different perspective to better highlight the zig-zagging and/or tortuous flowpath circumscribed around the facing of the insert, with starting and end points at opposing ends/edges of the insert.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a three dimensional sectional view of dispenser, similar to that of FIG. 1, but having an insert according to certain aspects of the invention disposed in the void between the venting aperture and the pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0036] As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 2 through 4, trigger sprayer 110 is affixed to a container (not shown) by way of a conventional connection, such as threaded collar 105. Insert 114 is positioned between the trigger activation mechanism 111 and the venting aperture 112 connecting to the interior volume of container. A dip tube 106 can be used to ensure fluid is drawn from the bottom of the container with minimal effort.

[0038] Insert 114 has a square cylindrical shape as shown, with the facings 121, 122, 123 of the cylinder angled to conform with adjacent components (i.e., aperture 112 and trigger activation mechanism 111). In some embodiments, insert 114 is solid or a hollowed cylindrical component with sufficient thickness to accommodate the conduit 120 described below. In a preferred embodiment, top facing 121 is angled relative to the bottom facing 123 so as to conform to the trigger activation mechanism 111 (and, more specifically, its interface with the slidable chevron 114 and protrusion 116 associated therewith). One or more of the sidewall facings 122 may be curved (concaved or convexed) or otherwise angled or shaped to conform with its adjacent components (e.g., the body of the pump mechanism, the dip tube, the outer shroud of the trigger itself, etc.).

[0039] A single conduit 120 (highlighted by a white line in FIGS. 3B and 3C) is formed on and/or in insert 114. The conduit forms a tortuous path through which air must travel to be admitted into the interior. Notably a cone-shaped protrusion is formed in the activation mechanism 111 so that the insert 114 and its conduit 120 are only temporarily exposed to the ambient environment during a dispensing event.

[0040] The conduit 120 zig zags along at least one of the sidewall facings 122 of the insert 120. In this manner, in the event the container is inverted or otherwise jostled so that fluid flows through the aperture 112, the tortuous path ensures that fluid cannot flow directly through the conduit 120 and into the pocket/void 116 behind protrusion 115. In this manner, the possibility of loss or unwanted leakage from the pocket is effectively eliminated, primarily because the fluid cannot traverse the tortuous path to exit into the pocket/void.

[0041] As used herein, tortuous path means the zig zag path as shown on at least one of the insert facings on FIGS. 3A, 3B, and/or 3C. While these flowpaths are shown as having right angles, a series of oblique angles, obtuse angles, or combination thereof could be used on a single facing. In the same manner, curving angles may be used in place of or in addition to the distinctive, sharp angles described above. Thus, a serpentine (i.e., S shape, Z shape, or C shape) may be provided. In all instances, the tortuous flowpath effectively rotates the orientation of the flowpath by a discernible amount, preferably at least 45 degrees (i.e., a V shape), at least 90 degrees (i.e., an L shape), or a full 180 degrees (i.e., a U-shape). Further, a series of the aforementioned angles or curves may be provided on a single facing (i.e., a W shape, an N shape, an M shape, a 3 shape, etc.).

[0042] Further, in some embodiments, the tortuous path is repeated on a plurality of facings of the insert, so as to create a flow path from the top edge adjacent to facing 121 to the bottom edge adjacent to facing 123. The path may carry onto the facings 121 and/or 123 themselves, thereby creating a connection well 121a as shown in FIG. 3A. Additionally or alternatively, one (or both) of the paths may terminate at the interface of the sidewall 122 and the bottom 123, also as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the insert has at least one flat facing and, more preferably at least four flat facings. The tortuous path may also be circumscribed on the top and/or bottom facings. The term “flat” also encompasses convex and concave surfaces in some embodiments, as well as a facing that is perfectly parallel with a single geometric plane.

[0044] In this manner, an insert having a plurality of flat facings can include a polygonal cylinder. The cylinder may have parallel, flat top and bottom facings, or these top and bottom facings may be angled relative to one another. A preferred polygonal shape is a 4-sided, although 3-sided, 5-sided, 6-sided, 7-sided, 8-sided, and 12-sided shapes are also possible.

[0045] In some embodiments, the cylinder may be curving, such as circular or oval cylinder. In such continuously curving axial sidewalls where the sidewalls are parallel to the z-axis, the tortuous flowpath necessarily changes direction multiple times in that z-axis while it conforms to the curving surface. In this manner, fluid introduced at one end is impeded and cannot flow freely down the z-axis by the force of gravity. Stated differently, the flowpath does not form a uniform helix and, instead zig-zags up and down along the z-axis multiple times, in addition to circumscribing the curved sidewalls.

[0046] In all instances, the cylindrical insert is sized to fit within a void between the dispenser and container. More specifically, the insert should occupy a space immediately proximate to the venting aperture admitting air into the container after a dispensing event on one end and the external, ambient environment on the opposing end. That is, one end of the tortuous path connects to the venting aperture and the other end of the tortuous path is exposed to the ambient environment. In the alternative, it is also possible to connect the apertures to a midpoint of the tortuous path that is set apart by some distance in comparison to the other, including the possibility of simply having the apertures connect along different facings of the insert.

[0047] In this manner, air flows freely through the conduit 120 after normal trigger actuation, so as to allow to allow make-up air to flow along line A from the void 117 back through aperture 112 (and into the container's interior volume), as shown in FIG. 4. However, the multiple turns in the conduit 120 make it difficult for liquid to progress through the insert during e-commerce shipping or other non-actuation events (e.g., accidental inversion) where liquid from the container comes into contact with/passes through aperture 112.

[0048] The insert itself can be molded or formed so that the tortuous path is integrated therein. Portions of the path may even penetrate the interior of the insert, so long as the path is clearly defined and remains as a single conduit. Alternatively, the path can be machined, drilled, or otherwise imprinted or imparted onto and/or into the insert after the insert has been formed as a monolithic piece.

[0049] In order to determine the efficacy of a tortuous path and/or insert shape combination, a simple, qualitative “burp test” can be performed. Here, a trigger/container combination is weighed when empty and then again after a defined amount of fluid, such as a dyed water, has been introduced. The point where ambient air is introduced into the trigger mechanism is wrapped in an absorbent cloth, and the trigger/container combination is dropped from a defined distance for a number of times. The cloth is removed and inspected for visual evidence of fluid loss via “burping.” The trigger/container combination may also be weighed to further confirm or possibly even quantify the amount of fluid loss. Other iterations of this procedure are also possible, and it should be particularly useful in comparative analysis to test the efficacy of two or more designs.

[0050] Additionally, any chevron, insert, or other mechanism intended to prevent burping and fluid loss must still admit sufficient ambient air into the container so as to ensure a vacuum-induced deformation and/or dispensing issues do not occur. To that end, a test to confirm the vent is operating properly (e.g., not block, not clogged, etc.) can also be performed. Here, the container is filled with a fluid such as water, and the trigger is secured. The trigger is then actuated 20 times at a speed of 60 strokes per minute. Any deformation of the container indicates insufficient ambient air is being admitted during dispensing/trigger actuation. As above, this test can be particularly useful in determining whether the conduit is of sufficient size to allow for normal and intended operation of the trigger sprayer.

[0051] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The features of each embodiment described and shown herein may be combined with the features of the other embodiments described herein. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.