DISPENSER TIPS AND METHODS OF USE
20200122891 ยท 2020-04-23
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D75/5883
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D25/38
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D81/365
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
Abstract
A dispenser is provided, having a product chamber and an applicator tip. The product chamber has at least two walls, connected by at least one seal. The product chamber can be shaped in any geometric form or commercially acceptable form, such as a popular character. Optionally the product chamber includes at least one second seal, internal to the first seal. An internal expansion spring is optionally disposed in the product chamber, providing a retraction or vacuum function. The applicator tip is optionally an inverted tip, an applicator dispenser tip, a brush applicator tip, a shaped dispenser tip, a rolling dispenser applicator tip, an atomizing applicator tip, a flow applicator tip, a tear applicator tip, or a shaker applicator tip. The applicator tips optionally have various shapes.
Claims
1. A dispenser, comprising: a product chamber, further comprising: a first wall having at least a first side; a second wall having at least a second side; at least one seal, wherein the at least one seal comprises: a first seal disposed along the at least a first side and the at least a second side, and connecting the first wall and the second wall; an applicator tip, wherein the applicator tip is selected from an inverted tip, an applicator dispenser tip, a brush applicator tip, a shaped dispenser tip, a rolling dispenser applicator tip, an atomizing applicator tip, a flow applicator tip, a tear applicator tip, or a shaker applicator tip; and wherein: the inverted tip further comprises a plurality of tip seals, where the plurality of tip seals comprises at least a first tip seal and a second tip seal, where the first tip seal and second tip seal terminate in an inverted point; the applicator dispenser tip further comprises: a porous applicator; a dispenser tube having a first end in communication with the porous applicator and a second end in fluid communication with the interior of the product chamber; the brush applicator tip further comprises: a brush applicator; a brush dispenser tube having a first end in communication with the brush applicator and a second end in fluid communication with the interior of the product chamber; the shaped dispenser tip further comprises: a shaped applicator; a shaped dispenser tube having a first end in communication with the shaped applicator and a second end in fluid communication with the interior of the product chamber; the rolling dispenser applicator tip further comprises: a roller applicator comprising a round or semi-spherical porous material; a dispenser neck having a first end in communication with the roller applicator and a second end in fluid communication with the interior of the product chamber; the atomizing applicator tip further comprises: an atomizing dispenser neck, wherein the atomizing dispenser neck has a first end extending from the product chamber and a second end in fluid communication with the interior of the product chamber; an atomizer disposed adjacent to the first end of the atomizing dispenser neck; the flow applicator tip further comprises: a dispenser neck having a first end in communication with the shaped applicator and a second end in fluid communication with the interior of the product chamber; a one-way flow valve is disposed in the interior of the dispenser neck; the tear applicator tip further comprises: a tear tip seal disposed adjacent to the first seal, wherein the tear tip seal further comprises a first tear seal and a second tear seal, where the first tear seal and the second tear seal connect at a tear seal angle to form a tear tip; a tear tab disposed adjacent to the tear tip, wherein the tear tab is perpendicular to an angle bisector of the tear seal angle; or the tear tab is parallel to an angle bisector of the tear seal angle; where the tear tab is in communication with a perforated line or opening on at least one wall; or the shaker applicator tip further comprises: a plurality of openings disposed on one wall of product chamber.
2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least a first side further comprises; a first longitudinal side, a second transverse side, and a third longitudinal side; the at least a second side: a fifth longitudinal side, a sixth transverse side, and a seventh longitudinal side; the at least one seal is a first set of seals, wherein the first set of seals comprises: a first seal disposed along the first longitudinal side and fifth longitudinal side, and connecting the first wall and the second wall; a second seal disposed along the second transverse side and sixth transverse side, and connecting the first wall and the second wall; and a third seal disposed along the third longitudinal side and seventh longitudinal side, and connecting the first wall and the second wall.
3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein the product chamber includes a fourth wall, wherein: the first wall comprises at least a fourth transverse side, and the second wall comprises at least an eighth transverse side; and the first set of seals further comprises: a fourth seal disposed along the fourth transverse side and connecting the first wall and the second wall.
4. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a second set of seals, wherein the second set of seals comprise: at least a first interior seal disposed interior to the at least one seal, and where the at least a first interior seal is disposed along the at least a first side and the at least a second side, and connecting the first wall and the second wall.
5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the at least a first side further comprises; a first longitudinal side, a second transverse side, and a third longitudinal side; the at least a second side: a fifth longitudinal side, a sixth transverse side, and a seventh longitudinal side; at least a first interior seal is a second set of seals, wherein the second set of seals comprise: a second interior seal disposed along the second transverse side and sixth transverse side, and connecting the first wall and the second wall; and a third interior seal disposed along the third longitudinal side and seventh longitudinal side, and connecting the first wall and the second wall.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a rupturable membrane disposed in the applicator tip.
7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first wall comprises cardboard, high density cardboard, high density paper, plastic, paper, plastic film, foil, metalized film, or a metal sheet; and wherein the second wall comprises cardboard, high density cardboard, high density paper, plastic, paper, plastic film, foil, metalized film, or a metal sheet.
8. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the rupturable membrane is formed of plastic film, foil, metalized film, or a metal sheet.
9. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a one-way valve disposed in the applicator tip.
10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the one-way valve further comprises: a deformable tab, wherein the deformable tab is dimensioned to sealably fit in the interior of the applicator tip; and a valve spring or valve retaining tip disposed on a first side of the deformable tab.
11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the inverted tip further comprises: a third tip seal disposed adjacent to the first tip seal and between the at least one seal and the first tip seal; a fourth tip seal disposed adjacent to the second tip seal and between the at least one seal and the second tip seal; and where the first tip seal and second tip seal terminate in an inverted point.
12. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a light source, wherein the light source is a light emitting diode, light emitting diode ring, incandescent light, halogen light, or fluorescent light; a power source in electrical communication with the light source, wherein the power source is a photovoltaic power converter, battery, or electrical power; and a switch in electrical communication with the power source and adapted to allow electricity to flow to the light source; wherein the switch is disposed in the applicator tip or in the product chamber; wherein at least one element of the applicator tip is made of a translucent material, and wherein the translucent material is in communication with the light source.
13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the shaker applicator tip further comprises: the tear tab having a sealable flap, where the tear tab is parallel to the shaker applicator tip; where the sealable flap is in communication with a plurality of openings disposed on one wall of product chamber.
14. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the product chamber further comprises: a transverse internal expansion spring, wherein the transverse internal expansion spring comprises: a first spring leaf having a first spring leaf end and a second spring leaf end; a second spring leaf having a third spring leaf end and a fourth spring leaf end; wherein the first spring leaf end is connected to the third spring leaf end and the second spring leaf end is connected to the fourth spring leaf end, and wherein the about center of the first spring leaf and the about center of the second spring leaf are disposed to repel from the other leaf, and the about center of the first spring leaf and the about center of the second spring leaf are spaced apart from each other; and wherein the transverse internal expansion spring is disposed in the interior of the product chamber, between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the transverse internal expansion spring extends from the first longitudinal side to the third longitudinal side.
15. The dispenser of claim 12, wherein the first spring leaf is formed of plastic or an elastic metal; and wherein the second spring leaf is formed of plastic or an elastic metal.
16. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein first spring leaf end and the third spring leaf end are connected by welding, adhesive, or polymerized resin; and the second spring leaf end is connected to the fourth spring leaf end are connected by welding, adhesive, or polymerized resin.
17. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the product chamber further comprises: a longitudinal internal expansion spring, wherein the transverse internal expansion spring comprises: a first spring leaf having a first spring leaf end and a second spring leaf end; a second spring leaf having a third spring leaf end and a fourth spring leaf end; wherein the first spring leaf end is connected to the third spring leaf end and the second spring leaf end is connected to the fourth spring leaf end, and wherein the about center of the first spring leaf and the about center of the second spring leaf are disposed to repel from the other leaf, and the about center of the first spring leaf and the about center of the second spring leaf are spaced apart from each other; and wherein the longitudinal internal expansion spring is disposed in the interior of the product chamber, between the first wall and the second wall, and wherein the longitudinal internal expansion spring extends from the second transverse side to the at least a fourth transverse side.
18. The dispenser of claim 15, wherein the first spring leaf is formed of plastic or an elastic metal; and wherein the second spring leaf is formed of plastic or an elastic metal.
19. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein first spring leaf end and the third spring leaf end are connected by welding, adhesive, or polymerized resin; and the second spring leaf end is connected to the fourth spring leaf end are connected by welding, adhesive, or polymerized resin.
20. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein tear tab disposed adjacent to the tear tip and wherein the tear tab is in communication with a perforated line, or tear line.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0061] As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a polypeptide includes a mixture of two or more polypeptides and the like.
[0062] As used herein, about means approximately or nearly and in the context of a numerical value or range set forth means +/15% of the numerical.
[0063] As used herein, inverted point means a chevron-shape having an orientation directed toward the center of the product chamber.
[0064] As used herein, fluid means liquids, gases, solutions, gels, and foams. Non-limiting examples include condiments, like mustard and ketchup, pastes, aerosol hair products, shaving gel, water, mouth washes, liquid medications, and other similar materials.
[0065] As used herein, semi-fluid granular solids, and any other flowable non-gas phased composition.
[0066] As used herein, plastic means a polymerized organic material material, such as those disclosed in paragraph [00], disclosed herein, and elastomers. Non-limiting examples of elastomers include polyisopropene, polybutadience, chloroprene, neoprene, polychloroprene, butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone, flurosilicone, polyether amides, polyethylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate.
[0067] As used herein, elastic metal means a metal that deforms upon application of pressure by human hand or up to twice the pressure exerted by human hand and returns to an original shape upon removal of the load. Non-limiting examples include copper-aluminum-nickel alloys, nickel-titanium alloys, zinc alloys, copper alloys, iron alloys, such as FeMnSi, CuZnAl, CuAlNi, NiTi, AgCd, AuCd, CoNiAl, CoNiGa, CuAlBeZr, X CuAlBeB, CuAlBeCr, CuAlBeGd, CuAlNi, CuAlNiHf, CuSn, CuZn, CuZnSi, CuZnAl, CuZnSn, FeMnSi, FePt, MnCu, NiFeGa, NiTiHf, NiTiPd, NiMnGa, and TiNb. In some variations, the elastic material deforms upon application of 250 kPa or less of pressure and can withstand at least 500 kPa of pressure without losing elasticity.
[0068] As used herein, the term longitudinal means the axis running substantially parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the inventive article.
[0069] As used herein, the term transverse means the axis running substantially perpendicular to the maximum linear dimension of the inventive article.
[0070] As used herein, the term substantially perpendicular means within a 20 deviation from a right angle, i.e. perpendicular, to the reference object.
[0071] The tips and/or dispensers disclosed herein are not limited to a type of product that can be stored and/or dispensed, but rather can hold and dispense any suitable products such as liquids, gels, creams, and other fluid or semi-fluid materials. Non-limiting examples include condiments, beverages, natural and/or artificial sweeteners, jellies, jams, preserves, syrups, toothpaste, personal care products (shampoo, soap, conditioner, etc.), liquids, lotions, gels, adhesives, cosmetics, paints, pharmaceuticals (e.g., topical, oral or other gels, lotions, pastes, etc.), etc.
[0072] The tips and/or dispensers disclosed herein are described using exemplary materials, but the invention is not intended to be limited to being made from one specific material, but rather can be made from any suitable material or combination of materials including recyclable and/or recycled materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, foil, condiment materials, and/or recyclable polymers, etc.
[0073] The tips disclosed herein can be affixed to any shape or size of dispenser packet. For example, non-limiting exemplary dispenser packet shapes can include an arrow, a circle (e.g., tomato ball), a peanut, a diamond, a heart, a carrot (e.g., for baby carrot food), a lipstick shape (e.g., for sample lipstick gels at cosmetics counters), a bottle shape (e.g., to store and dispense alcohol shots, energy drinks, electrolyte drink shots, for example for runners, marathoners and bike riders), a finger shape, a character shape (e.g., a children's story or movie character, a theme park character, etc.), a shape of a sensual body or body part for personal lubricants, etc. Similarly, the tips can be formed to resemble various shapes, such as, without limiting the scope of the invention, geometrical shapes like circles, triangles, squares, diamonds, hearts, octagons, sun, moons, stars, or horseshoes.
Example 1
[0074] Dispenser 10 is formed of a product chamber 101 and inverted tip 201, as seen in
[0075] Additionally, inverted tip 201 includes at least one tip seal 160. As seen in the Figure, the inverted tip has four seals, first tip seal 171, second tip seal 172, first inverted tip seal 173, and second inverted tip seal 174.
[0076] In operation, product chamber 101 is filled with a fluid or semi-fluid material, as seen in
Example 2
[0077] Dispenser 10 is formed of a product chamber 101 and applicator dispenser tip 210, as seen in
[0078] Applicator dispenser tip 210 is in fluid communication with dispenser tube 215, having membrane 216 disposed in the interior of dispenser tube 215, as seen in
[0079] In operation, product chamber 101 is filled with a fluid or semi-fluid material, as seen in
[0080] In certain variations of the invention, a second set of seals form an interior of the dispenser chamber, as discussed in Example 1. The interior seals seal three sides of product chamber 101, and include first interior seal 161, second interior seal 162, third interior seal 163, and fourth seal 166, disposed to permit dispenser tube 215 to extend to the interior space, as seen in
[0081] In some variations, liquid dispenser 10 includes a valve disposed in the interior of dispenser tube 215. While valve 217 can be disposed interior to membrane 216 or exterior to membrane 216, it is envisioned that in most variations, valve 217 is disposed exterior to membrane 216, thereby not contacting any fluid or semi-fluid until the rupture of membrane 216, as seen in
Example 3
[0082] Dispenser 10 is formed of a product chamber 101 and fold applicator dispenser tip 310, as seen in
[0083] Product chamber 101 included port 311, having membrane 216 disposed over port 311, as seen in
Example 4
[0084] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and brush applicator tip 410, as seen in
[0085] Brush applicator tip 410 is in fluid communication with brush dispenser tube 415. Optionally, brush dispenser tube 415 includes membrane 216 disposed in the interior of dispenser tube 415, as seen in
[0086] In operation, product chamber 101 is filled with a fluid or semi-fluid material, as seen in
[0087] In certain variations of the invention, a second set of seals form an interior of the dispenser chamber, as discussed in Example 1. The interior seals seal three sides of product chamber 101, and include first interior seal 161, second interior seal 162, third interior seal 163, and fourth seal 166, disposed to permit dispenser tube 215 to extend to the interior space.
Example 5
[0088] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and shaped dispenser tip 510, as seen in
[0089] Shaped dispenser tip 510 is in fluid communication with the interior space of product chamber 101, thereby connecting the interior space of product chamber 101 with brush applicator tip 410. Optionally, shaped dispenser tip 510 includes membrane 216 disposed in the interior of the dispenser tip, as discussed in previous Examples.
[0090] A fluid or semi-fluid material is added to product chamber 101. When pressure is applied to product chamber 101, the fluid or semi-fluid material is dispensed from shaped dispenser tip 510. Where a membrane is used, the pressure of the fluid or semi-fluid material ruptures the membrane, allowing the fluid or semi-fluid material to flow to the tip as flow F.sub.2, seen in
Example 6
[0091] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and rolling dispenser applicator tip 610, as seen in
[0092] Rolling dispenser applicator tip 610 includes dispenser neck 614, which holds the roller dispenser and permits rotational adjustments. Optionally, rolling dispenser applicator tip 610 includes membrane 216 disposed in dispenser neck 614, and functions as discussed in previous Examples. In some variations, a one-way flow valve is disposed in dispenser neck 614.
Example 7
[0093] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and atomizing applicator tip 710, as seen in
[0094] Atomizing applicator tip 710 includes dispenser neck 714, which holds atomizer 716, and an atomizer, as would be readily apparent in the field, to achieve the spray or spritzing effect. Optionally, atomizing applicator tip 710 includes membrane 216 disposed in dispenser neck 714, and functions as discussed in previous Examples. In some variations, a one-way flow valve is disposed in dispenser neck 714. The atomizer optionally comprises a first chamber adapted to accept a fluid, where the first chamber comprises a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter, and where the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. A tube is in fluid communication with the first chamber and has a first end and a second end, where the first end of the tube is disposed on the second end, where the tube has a diameter equivalent to the second diameter. A second chamber is in fluid communication with the tube, and has a third end with the second diameter and disposed on the second end of the tube, and fourth end having a third diameter, where the third diameter is larger than the second diameter.
[0095] Optionally, the atomizer head is formed of a translucent material in communication with a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). This illuminating component is disposed on top of the package and emits a glow that can be used in conjunction with, or separate from, other dispensing mechanisms. This light component can be taken apart from the package and can be solar, battery, LED or electrically operated.
Example 8
[0096] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and flow applicator tip 810, as seen in
[0097] Flow applicator tip 810 includes dispenser neck 814, which holds the flow tip. Optionally, flow applicator tip 810 includes membrane 216 disposed in dispenser neck 814, and functions as discussed in previous Examples. In some variations, a one-way flow valve is disposed in dispenser neck 814. Placing pressure on product chamber 101 results in fluid or semi-fluid material P ejection from the flow applicator tip 810, either completely expelling the material or partially expelling the material, which may be retracted back into product chamber 101 after use.
Example 9
[0098] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and tear applicator tip 910. Product chamber 101 is formed of any suitable material, that forms at least two walls, and includes at least a first set of seals, as described in Example 1. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least a first set of seals, 151 through 154, as described in previous Examples. Product chamber 101 optionally includes second set of seals, 161 through 165, as described above.
[0099] Tear applicator tip 910 is optionally tear tab 915 disposed perpendicular to the dispensing tip 917, as seen in
[0100] Alternatively, tear applicator tip 910 is optionally disposed parallel to the dispensing tip 917, as seen in
Example 10
[0101] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and shaker applicator tip 1010, seen in
[0102] Shaker applicator tip 1010 is configured to dispense granular semi-fluid products, such as sugar, salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, coffee creamers, energy powders etc. to be dispensed upon shaking the package. A plurality of openings 1013 are disposed on one wall of product chamber 101. In some variations, a tear tab, such as the parallel tear tab disclosed in Example 9, is used to seal shaker applicator tip 1010 until use, as seen in
Example 11
[0103] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and writing tip 1110. The dispenser in this embodiment mimics a pencil, crayon, or pen having a flat base, as seen in
[0104] The base of product chamber 101 optionally includes an opening or port disposed on the base or adjacent to the base, thereby permitting a user to refill the product chamber.
Example 12
[0105] Dispenser 10 includes product chamber 101 and product access tip 1210. Product chamber 101 includes integrated utensil pouch 1215 disposed on one wall of the product chamber, where utensil pouch 1215 is dimensioned to accept utensil 1220, as seen in
Example 13
[0106] The applicator tip disclosed in the prior Examples is optionally formed of a translucent material in communication with a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED). This illuminating component is disposed on top of the package and emits a glow that can be used in conjunction with, or separate from, the dispensing mechanism. This light component can be taken apart from the package and can be solar, battery, LED or electrically operated. The LED light may be in direct communication with the translucent material of the applicator tip or may be in communication via a fiber optic tubing or light guides.
Example 14
[0107] Product chamber 101 optionally includes transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130, as seen in
[0108] As external pressure is applied the transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130, product in product chamber 101 can be dispensed or applied. When the external pressure is released from the transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130, the transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130 returns to its starting shape (e.g., open) and opens as shown in
Example 15
[0109] Product chamber 101 optionally includes longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring 140, as seen in
[0110] When external pressure is applied to longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring 140, product in product chamber 101 can be dispensed or applied. When the external pressure is released from the transverse internal rigid expansion spring 130, longitudinal internal rigid expansion spring 140 returns to its starting shape (e.g., open) and opens as shown in
[0111] In the preceding specification, all documents, acts, or information disclosed do not constitute an admission that the document, act, or information of any combination thereof was publicly available, known to the public, part of the general knowledge in the art, or was known to be relevant to solve any problem at the time of priority.
[0112] The disclosures of all publications cited above are expressly incorporated herein by reference, each in its entirety, to the same extent as if each were incorporated by reference individually.
[0113] While there has been described and illustrated specific embodiments of a dispenser and tips useful therein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications are possible without deviating from the broad spirit and principle of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.