CHEMICAL RESERVOIR CAP WITH COMPRESSIBLE DISCHARGE PORT

Abstract

A chemical reservoir assembly may include a reservoir containing a liquid chemical and a closure sealing off an outlet opening of the reservoir. The closure can include a top wall having an access opening and a sealing disc positioned under the top wall and across the access opening. The sealing disc may include a vent opening positioned under the top wall and offset from the access opening. The sealing disc can be fixedly positioned relative to the top wall and include a compressible material configured to compress in response to a discharge device being inserted into the access opening and pressing against the compressible material. In response to the force of the discharge device, the compressible material can compress to open a venting pathway from the access opening through the at least one vent opening.

Claims

1. A chemical reservoir assembly comprising: a reservoir having a body defining an interior volume configured to receive and hold a liquid chemical, the reservoir defining an outlet opening; a closure sealing off the outlet opening, the closure comprising: a top wall having an access opening extending through the top wall; and a sealing disc positioned under the top wall and across the access opening, the sealing disc comprising at least one vent opening extending through the sealing disc, the at least one vent opening being positioned under the top wall and offset from the access opening, wherein the sealing disc is fixedly positioned relative to the top wall, and the sealing disc comprises a compressible material configured to compress in response to a discharge device being inserted into the access opening and pressing against the compressible material, thereby opening a venting pathway from the access opening through the at least one vent opening.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealing disc comprises an access opening covered by the sealing material, the access opening of the sealing disc being aligned with the access opening extending through the top wall.

3. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a liquid dispensing tube connected to and extending downwardly from the sealing disc, the access opening of the sealing disc extending through the liquid dispensing tube.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealing disc comprises a rigid polymeric material covered with the compressible material.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the compressible material is molded over the rigid polymeric material.

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the sealing disc has a top surface comprising the compressible material; the top wall has a bottom surface; and the top surface of the sealing disc is positioned pressing against the bottom surface of the top wall in a closed configuration, and the compressible material is sufficiently compressible to compress out of contact with the bottom surface of the top wall, when the discharge device presses against the compressible material.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein one or both of the sealing disc and the top wall comprise a sealing ridge positioned between the access opening and the at least one vent opening.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein one or both of: the top surface of the sealing disc defines a planar surface and the sealing ridge extending upwardly from the planar surface, the sealing ridge comprising the compressible material and being pressed against the bottom surface of the top wall in the closed configuration; and the bottom surface of the top wall defines a planar surface and the sealing ridge extending downwardly from the planar surface, the sealing ridge being pressed against the compressible material of the sealing disc in the closed configuration.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one vent hole comprises a plurality of vent holes arrayed about a perimeter of the sealing disc.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the closure further comprises a sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall and the sealing disc is fixedly connected to the sidewall.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the top wall defines an annulus with the access opening extending through a center of the annulus.

12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein: the reservoir comprises a cylindrical neck defining the outlet opening; the closure further comprises a sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall to define a cap; and the cap is secured to the cylindrical neck of the reservoir.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein: the cylindrical neck defines an external threading; the sidewall comprises an internal threading; and the cap is screwably engaged to the cylindrical neck.

14. A closure cap for sealing off an outlet opening of a liquid reservoir, the closure cap comprising: a top wall having an access opening extending through the top wall; a sidewall connected to and extending downwardly from the top wall to bound a space configured to receive an outlet opening of a liquid reservoir; and a sealing disc positioned under the top wall and across the access opening, the sealing disc comprising at least one vent opening extending through the sealing disc, the at least one vent opening being positioned under the top wall and offset from the access opening, wherein the sealing disc is fixedly positioned relative to the top wall, and the sealing disc comprises a compressible material configured to compress in response to a discharge device being inserted into the access opening and pressing against the compressible material, thereby opening a venting pathway from the access opening through the at least one vent opening.

15. The closure cap of claim 14, wherein the sealing disc comprises an access opening covered by the sealing material, the access opening of the sealing disc being aligned with the access opening extending through the top wall.

16. The closure cap of claim 14, further comprising a liquid dispensing tube connected to and extending downwardly from the sealing disc, the access opening of the sealing disc extending through the liquid dispensing tube.

17. The closure cap of claim 14, wherein: the sealing disc has a top surface comprising the compressible material; the top wall has a bottom surface; and the top surface of the sealing disc is positioned pressing against the bottom surface of the top wall in a closed configuration, and the compressible material is sufficiently compressible to compress out of contact with the bottom surface of the top wall, when the discharge device presses against the compressible material.

18. A method of accessing a liquid reservoir, the method comprising: inserting a discharge device into an access opening of a closure sealing an outlet opening of a reservoir containing liquid chemical, the closure comprising a sealing disc fixedly positioned across the access opening, the sealing disc comprising a compressible material; piercing the sealing disc with the discharge device to open fluid communication with the reservoir through the access opening via the discharge device; and pressing the discharge device against the compressible material thereby compressing the compressible material away from a sealing surface and opening a venting pathway from the access opening through at least one vent opening extending through the sealing disc.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the closure comprises a top wall surface against which the compressible material of the sealing disc is pressed when in a closed configuration, an interface between the top wall surface and the compressible material forming the sealing surface; and pressing the discharge device against the compressible material comprises moving at least a portion of the compressible material out of contact with the top wall surface.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein one or both of the sealing disc and the top wall comprise a sealing ridge positioned between the access opening and the at least one vent opening, wherein the interface between the sealing ridge and a corresponding one of the sealing disc or top wall surface forms the sealing surface.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein compressing the compressible material comprises compressing the compressible material at distance within a range from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

22. The method of claim 18, further comprising discharging liquid chemical from the reservoir through a pierced opening in the sealing disc through the discharge device inserted into the access opening while the discharge device presses against the compressible material and compresses the compressible material away from the sealing surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example chemical reservoir assembly that includes a chemical reservoir and a closure.

[0013] FIGS. 2A-2E are different views of an example configuration of a closure that can be used for the chemical reservoir assembly of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an example configuration of a closure shown with sealing disc removed for purposes of illustration.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of an example configuration of a closure illustrating an example compression position in which a compressible material of a sealing disc is compressed away from the bottom surface of a wall to open a venting pathway.

[0016] FIGS. 5A and 5B are sectional views of an example configuration of a discharge device that can be used to access a closure according to the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] This disclosure generally relates to chemical reservoirs and closure systems for sealing an opening on a chemical reservoir. In some implementations, the example closure systems include a sealing disc that is positioned over an opening of the chemical reservoir. The sealing disc may include an access opening, e.g., extending through a geometric center of the sealing disc, and one or more vent openings radially offset from the access opening. The access opening may be sealed by a compressible polymeric material while the one or more vent openings may extend through the compressible polymeric material. The compressible material can form a seal with an opposed surface that seals fluid communication through the one or more vent openings. For example, a seal may be formed between the compressible material and an opposed structural surface, where the seal is positioned between the access opening and the one or more vent openings.

[0018] In use, an operator can position a discharge device against the sealing disc. The discharge device can pierce through the polymeric material covering the access opening to create a fluid pathway from an interior of the chemical reservoir to the exterior environment via the pierced access opening extending through the thickness of the sealing disc. In addition, the discharge device can press against the compressible polymeric material at a location offset from where the discharge device pierced the compressible polymeric material to open the access opening. For example, the discharge device can press against the compressible polymeric material at a location radially offset from the access opening. The discharge device can press against the compressible polymeric material in this region with an amount of force effective to compress the compressible polymeric material without piercing the material. By compressing the compressible polymeric material, the material can move out of contact with an opposed structural surface, thereby opening a venting pathway from an interior of the chemical reservoir to the exterior environment via the one or more vent openings extending through the thickness of the sealing disc.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example chemical reservoir assembly 8 that includes a chemical reservoir 10 and a closure 12, which is illustrated in the form of a cap attached to the chemical reservoir. FIG. 1 includes a call out detail A illustrating an example configuration of an opening 14 of the chemical reservoir with closure 12 not present. In use, chemical reservoir 10 can be filled with a desired liquid chemical through opening 14 in the chemical reservoir and closure 12 secured over the opening to provide a fluid-tight seal over the opening, e.g., for transport and storage of the container. As discussed in greater detailed below, closure 12 can be accessed via a discharge device to withdraw chemical from reservoir 10 when desired to transfer chemical out of the reservoir.

[0020] In the example of FIG. 1, chemical reservoir 10 includes at least one sidewall 16 defining a body of the reservoir. The body of the reservoir provides an interior volume configured to receive and hold a liquid chemical. The number of sidewalls 16 interconnected together to form the body of chemical reservoir 10 and/or opening 14 can vary depending on the shape of the reservoir body and/or opening. For example, a reservoir and/or opening with a circular cross-sectional shape may be formed of a single sidewall whereas a reservoir and/or opening with a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape may be defined by four interconnected sidewalls.

[0021] In general, reservoir 10 and/or opening 14 can define any polygonal (e.g., square, hexagonal) or arcuate (e.g., circular, elliptical) shape, or even combinations of polygonal and arcuate shapes. Reservoir 10 can be fabricated from a material that is chemically compatible with and chemically resistant to the type of liquid intended to be placed in the reservoir. In some examples, reservoir 10 is fabricated from a polymeric material, such as a polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In other examples, reservoir 10 may be fabricated from metal or glass.

[0022] Reservoir 10 can define any suitable size, and the specific dimensions of the reservoir may vary depending on the volume of chemical intended to be held by the reservoir. Reservoir 10 may be a bottle, tote, drum, or other container structure. In some examples, reservoir 10 includes a handle (e.g., an integrally molded plastic handle) allowing a user to grasp and move the container with the handle. In some configurations, reservoir 10 may be sized to hold an amount of liquid within a range from 0.5 liters to 20 liters, such as from 1 liter to 5 liters. Reservoir 10 can have other sizes and capacities, and it should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0023] Reservoir 10 can contain any chemical desired to be dispensed. Example chemicals that may be contained in reservoir 10 include, but are not limited to: a sanitizer, a sterilant, a, a degreaser, a lubricant, a detergent, a stain remover, a rinse agent, bleach, a fabric softener, a neutralizer, an enzyme, a biocide, a corrosion control agent, and the like.

[0024] In some examples, such as the example shown in FIG. 1, the one or more sidewalls 16 of chemical reservoir 10 forming opening 14 can define a nozzle projecting away from a remainder of the reservoir body. When so configured, an external perimeter of the nozzle may include threading 18. Threading 18 can be used to screwably engage closure 12 in the form of a cap on reservoir 10 to enclose opening 14. Other mechanical fixation features can be used in addition to or in lieu of threading 18 to affix closure 12 over opening 14 (e.g., adhesive, barbed engagement features, sonic welding).

[0025] In the illustrated example of chemical reservoir 10, the reservoir only has a single opening 14 with the remainder of the reservoir being a closed body through which fluid cannot enter or exit. In this example, the same opening 14 may function as an inlet opening when filing the chemical reservoir with liquid and an outlet opening when discharging liquid out of the opening. In other configurations, chemical reservoir 10 may include multiple openings, such as an inlet opening through which the chemical reservoir is filled and a separate outlet opening through which the chemical is discharged from the reservoir. When so configured, the inlet opening may be removably or permanently sealed after filling the chemical reservoir with a sealing device. In either case, chemical reservoir 10 can include at least one opening 14 sealed closed with a closure 12 according to the disclosure. Closure 12 can provide a liquid tight seal across opening 14, e.g., such that liquid cannot bypass the closure to exit out of chemical reservoir 10 until deliberately accessed by a user.

[0026] FIGS. 2A-2E (collectively referred to as FIG. 2) are different views of an example configuration of closure 12 that can be used to seal opening 14 of chemical reservoir 10 closed while providing controlled access through the closure during dispensing. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of closure 12. FIG. 2B is a side view of closure 12. FIG. 2C is a bottom view of closure 12. FIG. 2D is an exploded view of closure 12. Finally, FIG. 2E is a side sectional view of closure 12.

[0027] Closure 12 is configured to be secured to outlet opening 14 of reservoir 10 to sealingly close the outlet opening (e.g., preventing egress of liquid out of the container through the outlet opening sealed closed by the closure). Closure 12 can include a wall 20 defining an access opening 22 extending through the thickness of the wall surface. In the illustrated orientation, wall 20 of closure 12 is shown as a top wall surface of the closure with access opening 22 extending through the top wall surface. Access opening 22 can be a void space unblocked by the material defining wall 20 of closure 12 through which liquid can be accessed and dispensed out of reservoir 10.

[0028] Closure 12 in the example of FIG. 2 also includes a sealing disc 24, which is perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 2D. Sealing disc 24 can be positioned under wall 20 and across access opening 22. Sealing disc 24 can seal access opening 22 closed, e.g., such that a tight closure is provided by sealing disc 24 across the access opening. Sealing disc 24 can include one or more vent openings 26 (FIG. 2C and 2D). The one or more vent openings 26 can vent chemical reservoir 10 (e.g., allow ingress of air through the openings during discharge of chemical liquid out of the access opening 22), reducing or eliminating the creation of a vacuum inside of the chemical reservoir during dispensing that can slow dispensing.

[0029] In use, sealing disc 24 can be biased and/or pressed against an underside of wall 20 (e.g., a sealing feature projecting downwardly from the underside of the wall). This can form a seal between the top surface of sealing disc 24 and the underside of wall 20. The seal so formed may extend about the perimeter of access opening 22, thereby sealing around the opening.

[0030] As will be discussed, sealing disc 24 can include a compressible material that allows the sealing disc to be compressed away from wall 20 (e.g., away from a sealing feature projecting downwardly from the underside of the wall). In use, an operator can insert a discharge device through access opening 22 of closure 12 and press the discharge device against the top of sealing disc 24. The discharge device can pierce sealing disc 24 to open a liquid chemical discharge opening through the thickness of the sealing disc. In addition, the discharge device can press an unpierced region of the sealing disc axially away from wall 20, e.g., by compressing the compressible material forming at least a portion of the discharge device. When the compressible material is compressed, a venting pathway can be opened from an interior of chemical reservoir 10 to an exterior environment through access opening 22 and the one or more vent openings 26. The venting pathway can allow air ingress between the bottom side of wall 20 (or feature projecting therefrom) and a top side of sealing disc 24 through a space formed by compression of the compressible portion of the sealing disc. In this way, sealing disc 24 may provide an accessible vent opening without otherwise moving the sealing disc or requiring a slidable connection that may otherwise provide a failure point in the structure.

[0031] To access the contents of chemical reservoir 10 through sealing disc 24, the sealing disc may include an access opening 28. Access opening 28 may be an opening extending partially or fully through the thickness of the sealing disc. Access opening 28 may be covered by one or more closures, such as a portion of the compressible material comprising sealing disc 24. For example, where sealing disc 24 is formed of multiple materials, including one or more comparatively rigid materials, access opening 28 may extend through the thickness of the one or more rigid materials to provide an opening through the materials. A different material, such as a comparatively compressible material, may be provided over the one or more rigid materials, including the access opening 28 formed therethrough, to seal the access opening prior to being accessed by a discharge device. In use, a discharge device can pierce through a pierceable material (e.g., the compressible material) closing access opening 28, thereby opening a fluid pathway through the access opening.

[0032] Access opening 28 of sealing disc 24 may be aligned access opening 22 extending through wall 20 of closure 12. For example, access opening 28 of sealing disc 24 may be coaxially aligned with access opening 22 extending through wall 20. In some examples, a geometric center of access opening 28 is co-linearly positioned with a geometric center of access opening 22. In either case, in use, a discharge device may first be inserted through access opening 22 and then subsequently through access opening 28, using the access opening 22 through wall 20 to provide access to the underlying access opening 28 extending through sealing disc 24.

[0033] The size of access opening 22 extending through wall 20 and access opening 28 extending through sealing disc 24 can vary depending on the size and configuration of closure 12. In some examples, such as the illustrated example, access opening 22 may be sized larger than access opening 28 to provide an opening for visualizing and accessing the underlying sealing disc. In other examples, however, access opening 22 may be the same size or even sized smaller than access opening 28. In some examples, a ratio of the cross-sectional area of access opening 22 divided by the cross-sectional area of access opening 28 may be within a range from 1.0 to 3.0, such as from 1.5 to 2.5.

[0034] In some examples, sealing disc 24 covers access opening 22 of wall 20 without an underlying structure connected to or extending from the sealing disc. When so configured, liquid in chemical reservoir 10 can be dispensed directly from the underside of sealing disc 24 after piercing the sealing disc. In other examples, such as the example of FIG. 2, closure 12 further includes a liquid dispensing tube 30 connected to and extending downwardly from sealing disc 24. Liquid dispensing tube 30 may be a lumen or other tubular structure having a length projecting away from the bottom side of sealing disc 24. Liquid dispensing tube 30 can define an opening that is coaxially aligned with access opening 28 of sealing disc 24. Accordingly, piercing sealing disc 24 to open access opening 28 may open a fluid communication pathway to an interior of chemical reservoir 10 through access opening 28 via liquid dispensing tube 30 extending downwardly from the access opening.

[0035] Configuring closure 12 with liquid dispensing tube 30 may be useful to provide a feature operable to guide a discharge device into chemical reservoir 10 and/or guide liquid out of the chemical reservoir via access opening 28. For example, liquid dispensing tube 30 may have a cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) sized larger than the size of a corresponding dispensing device configured to be inserted into chemical reservoir 10. Liquid dispensing tube 30 can help guide the dispensing device axially into chemical reservoir 10 during insertion.

[0036] While the size of liquid dispensing tube 30 can vary, in some examples, the tube may have a length from the bottom side of sealing disc 24 to the terminal end of the liquid dispensing tube within a range from 12.5 mm to 100 mm, such as from 25 mm to 75 mm. Liquid dispensing tube 30 can have a length extending from a proximal end at sealing disc 24 to a distal end. Liquid dispensing tube 30 may have the same cross-sectional area (e.g., diameter) as access opening 28 or may have a different cross-sectional area. In some examples, liquid dispensing tube 30 has a same cross-section area as that of access opening 28 at the proximal end of the tube and the cross-sectional area of the liquid dispensing tube tapers (narrows) across the length of the tube, e.g., such that the cross-sectional area of the tube at the distal end is less than at the proximal end. Liquid dispensing tube 30 may or may not include an intermediate guide aperture 32 positioned at a location along the length of the tube. When used, intermediate guide aperture 32 may define a region of smaller cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter) as compared to adjacent regions of liquid dispensing tube 30 (e.g., regions immediately above and below intermediate guide aperture 32). Intermediate guide aperture 32 can restrict lateral movement of a dispensing device inserted through liquid dispensing tube 30 into chemical reservoir 10.

[0037] Sealing disc 24 of closure 12 can function to seal access opening 22 extending through the wall 20 of the closure assembly. Sealing disc 24 may be constructed of a single material or may be constructed of multiple materials combined together to form the resultant sealing disc. In some implementations, sealing disc 24 is fabricated from a comparatively rigid base material 34 (FIG. 2E) overlaid with a comparatively compressible material 36. The comparatively rigid base material 34 may provide structural strength and rigidity to sealing disc 24 to maintain a seal between the disc and wall 20, thereby sealing access opening 22, until deliberately accessed by a user.

[0038] Comparatively compressible material 36 can overlay at least a portion of the comparatively rigid base material 34. For example, the comparatively compressible material 36 may cover at least a portion of the top surface of base material 34 (where the top surface is the surface facing the bottom side of wall 20 and configured to contact a bottom side of the wall or feature extending therefrom), such as an entirety of the top surface of the base material. Compressible material 36 may or may not extend over the sides of base material 34 (e.g., downwardly over the sides of the base material) and/or over a portion or entirety of the bottom surface of the base material. In either case, compressible material 36 may be positioned to be at least partially compressed in response to pressure from a dispensing device inserted through access opening 22 and pressing against the compressible material. In response to pressure from the dispensing device, compressible material 36 may compress (e.g., without substantially compressing or changing the thickness of the base material 34, although the base material may or may not flex in response to the compression force), thereby breaking a seal between the top surface of compressible material 36 and a bottom surface of wall 20 (or feature extending therefrom) and opening a venting pathway between the bottom surface of the wall and a compressed top surface of the sealing disc.

[0039] A variety of different materials can be used as rigid base material 34. In various configurations, rigid base material 34 may be fabricated from a comparatively rigid polymeric material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer, polyethylene), a metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum), a ceramic, and/or other chemically compatible material that is less compressible than compressible material 36.

[0040] A variety of different materials can also be used as compressible material 36. In various configurations, compressible material may be a flexible and/or low durometer meter, such as a material exhibiting a Shore A durometer value within a range of 50 to 70 (as measured according to ASTM D2240 type A). In one example, compressible polymeric material 36 is formed of a polyurethane material.

[0041] In some examples, sealing disc 24 is formed of a rigid polymeric material covered with the compressible material. For example, base material 34 may be a rigid polymer material that is at least partially covered with compressible polymeric material 36. Base material 34 and compressible polymeric material 36 may be formed as separate components that are subsequently joined together to form sealing disc 24 (e.g., using adhesive, heat bonding, ultrasonic welding, and/or other technique to adhere the two components together). In some examples, sealing disc 24 is fabricated by forming base material 34 and overmolding at least a portion of the base material (e.g., at least a portion of the top surface of the base material) with compressible material 36. Overmolding is an injection molding process used to mold one plastic (compressible polymeric material 36) over another component (base material 34).

[0042] Base material 34 can be fabricated to have a variety of thicknesses, although may typically have a thickness less than 10 mm, such as less than 5 mm, less than 2.5 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. Base material 34 may be comparatively rigid in that the thickness of the material does not substantially change in response to pressure from a discharge device. For example, when a discharge device is pressed against a top surface of sealing disc 24 with an amount of force effective to compress compressible material 36, the thickness of base material may be substantially the same as when pressure from the discharge device is not applied (e.g., the thickness may be less than 1% different between when pressure from the discharge device is and is not applied, such as less than 0.5% different, or less than 0.1% different).

[0043] Compressible material 36 can also be fabricated to have a variety of thicknesses. In some examples, compressible material 36 has a thickness less than or equal to the thickness of base material 34. Compressible material 36 may have a thickness less than 5 mm, such as less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm, less than 0.75 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.2. Compressible material 36 can compress such that the thickness of the material changes in response to pressure from a discharge device pressing against the material. For example, when a discharge device is pressed (e.g., axially downwardly) against a top surface of sealing disc 24 with an amount of force effective to compress compressible material 36, the compressible material may compress (reduce) in thickness by at least 5% compared to the thickness of the material prior to application of the compression force, such as at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50%. In some examples, compressible material 36 may compress (reduce) in thickness by an amount within a range from 10% to 50% in response to a discharge device being pressed (e.g., axially downwardly) against a top surface of sealing disc 24.

[0044] The amount of force applied by the discharge device to the top surface of sealing disc 24 may be effective to compress compressible material 36 by a desired amount, including the foregoing ranges. In some examples, the discharge device applies an amount of force within a range from 50 Newtons (N) to 500 N to the top of sealing disc 24 to compress the compressible material 36, such as an amount of force within a range from 50 N to 250 N. Compressible material 36 may compress a desired amount, including within the foregoing ranges, in response to a force from the discharge device of, e.g., 50 N.

[0045] Sealing disc 24 can be fixedly positioned and secured relative to wall 20 of closure 12, e.g., such that the sealing disc does not move relative to the wall except for compression of the thickness of the sealing disc in response to pressure from a discharge device. With reference to FIG. 2E, sealing disc 24 can be fixedly positioned relative to the bottom surface of wall 20 such that a top surface 40 of the sealing disc (or feature extending therefrom) is in contact with a bottom surface 42 of the top wall 20 (or feature extending therefrom) in its resting position (e.g., during transport and storage of the chemical reservoir). The positioning of the top surface 40 of sealing disc 24 relative to the bottom surface 42 of top wall 20 may also be effective to allow at least a portion of the sealing disc to compress out of contact with bottom surface 42 of wall 20 (or feature extending therefrom) in response to pressure from a discharge device. The interface and contact between sealing disc 24 and wall 20 provides a seal closing fluid communication through vent opening 26. Compression of sealing disc 24 in response to axial pressure (e.g., from a discharge device) can break the seal between the sealing disc and the wall, opening a venting pathway through vent opening 26.

[0046] Sealing disc 24 can be fixedly positioned relative to wall 20 in a variety of different ways. In some examples, sealing disc 24 is secured to wall 20, e.g., via one or more connection portion extending between the sealing disc and the wall. In some examples, sealing disc 24 is secured to a downwardly extending wall 44 connected to top wall 20. Wall 44 can define a perimeter extending about and downwardly from top wall 20. Sealing disc 24 can be secured to the internal surface of downwardly extending wall 44. For example, sealing disc 24 can be engaged with wall 44 at one or more discrete locations about the perimeter of the sealing disc or can be engaged continuously about the perimeter of the sealing disc to the wall (e.g., such that there are no gaps between the perimeter of sealing disc 24 and wall 44 through which liquid can flow).

[0047] Sealing disc 24 can be fixedly positioned relative to wall 44 in a variety of different ways. In some examples, sealing disc 24 is sized relative to the interior perimeter defined by wall 44 (e.g., a series of interconnected walls) and interference fit (e.g., frictionally engaged) in the interior perimeter defined by wall 44. In some examples, sealing disc 24 is bonded to or otherwise affixed to wall 44, e.g., via a mechanical connection, adhesive, barbed engagement features, sonic welding, or other connective engagement. In either case, sealing disc 24 may be positioned relative top wall 20 such that the sealing disc does not physically move or translate relative to the wall when an axial force is applied to the sealing disc by a discharge device (although a compressible material of the sealing disc can compress in response to the force of the discharge device thereby changing the thickness of the sealing disc).

[0048] For instance, in some implementations, closure 12 is configured as a cap that can be secured about a discharge port or nozzle projecting away from a remainder of container 10 (FIG. 1). The top wall 20 of the cap can defines an annulus with access opening 22 extending through a center of the annulus. Further, the cap can include a sidewall 44 connected to and extending downwardly from top wall 20. This can bound a space configured to receive outlet opening 14 of reservoir 10 (FIG. 1). For example, the internal perimeter of sidewall 44 can define an internal threading 46 (FIG. 2E) configured to be screwably engaged with external threading 18 (FIG. 1) on container 10. Sealing disc 24 can be fixedly positioned relative to and under top wall 20 of the cap, e.g., such that the sealing disc seals the access opening 22 extending through the top wall but can be compressed in response to a force of a discharge device pressing against the sealing disc to allow venting.

[0049] In use, sealing disc 24 can be positioned such that the sealing disc contacts the underside of wall 20, thereby forming a seal between the top surface of sealing disc 24 and the underside of wall 20. The seal formed by the contact between the top surface of sealing disc 24 and the underside of wall 20 may extend continuously around the perimeter of access opening 22, thereby providing a seal between vent opening 26 and access opening 22.

[0050] In some examples, the underside of wall 20 and/or the top surface of sealing disc 24 defines a planar surface providing a surface against which a seal is formed with the opposed features. In some examples, one or both of the underside of wall 20 and/or the top surface of sealing disc 24 defines a sealing feature projecting away from a planar face of the wall and/or sealing disc, respectively. The sealing feature on the wall or sealing disc may contact a planar sealing face of the opposite feature (e.g., prior to being compressed out of contact by a compression force during dispensing).

[0051] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an example configuration of closure 12 shown with sealing disc 24 removed for purposes of illustration. In this example, the bottom surface 42 of top wall 20 defines a planar surface 48 and the sealing ridge 50 extends downwardly from the planar surface. The sealing ridge 50 may be a rib of material extending continuously around the perimeter of access opening 22. In some examples, sealing ridge 50 may have a width within range from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, such as from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Sealing ridge 50 may have a height extending away from planar surface 48 less than 2 mm, such as less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm. Further, in various configurations, sealing ridge 50 may or may not taper toward an apex pointed toward sealing disc 24.

[0052] When configured with sealing ridge 50, the sealing ridge can press against the compressible material 36 on the top surface of sealing disc 24, when the assembly is in a closed configuration. For example, sealing disc 24 may be fixedly positioned at a location relative to wall 20 where sealing ridge 50 contacts and/or presses into compressible material 36 on the top surface of the sealing disc, when the assembly is closed. In some such applications, the planar surface 48 on the bottom side of top wall 20 may be offset from (e.g., spaced from) the planar surface of the top surface of sealing disc 24 such that only the sealing ridge contacts the top surface of the sealing disc without the adjacent planar surface 48 contacting the top surface of the sealing disc (when in a closed position). In any case, when a downwardly directed force is applied to the top surface of sealing disc 24, the compressible material 36 can compress, thereby breaking the seal an creating an opening between sealing ridge 50 and the top surface of compressible material 36.

[0053] While FIG. 3 illustrates an example configuration of closure 12 in which the bottom surface 42 of wall 20 defines a planar surface 48 and a sealing ridge 50 extending therefrom, sealing disc 24 may additional or alternatively include a planar surface 48 and a sealing ridge 50 extending therefrom. When so configured, the top surface of sealing disc 24 may define the planar surface 48 and an upwardly extending sealing ridge 50 may extend away therefrom. The sealing ridge 50 extending from the top surface of sealing disc 24 can be pressed against the bottom surface 42 of top wall 20, when the assembly is in a closed configuration.

[0054] To dispense liquid from reservoir 10 via closure 12, a discharge device can be inserted into access opening 22 of the closure. The discharge device can pierce through sealing disc 24 to create access opening 28, thereby creating a pathway by which fluid can discharge from the interior of reservoir 10 to the external environment via access opening 28 formed through sealing disc 24 and access opening 22 extending through the thickness of wall 20. Before, after, and/or while piercing sealing disc 24 to create access opening 28, the discharge device can apply a force to a region of the sealing disc adjacent access opening 28. For example, an axially-directed (e.g., downward) force may be applied by the discharge device to the top surface of sealing disc 24 adjacent to where the discharge device pierces through the sealing disc to create access opening 28. The force can cause compressible material 36 of sealing disc 24 to compress, thereby breaking the seal between the sealing disc and bottom surface of wall 20 and opening a venting pathway.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of closure 12 illustrating an example compression position in which compressible material 36 of sealing disc 24 is compressed away from the bottom surface 42 of wall 20 to open a venting pathway 60. While not illustrated in FIG. 4, a discharge device can be inserted through access opening 22 to apply a force causing compressible material 36 to compress away from wall 20 to open the venting pathway. When compressible material 36 is compressed (e.g., downwardly away from the bottom surface 42 of top wall 20), the seal formed between sealing disc 24 and wall 20 can be broken to open a gap 62 between the sealing disc and wall through which gas (e.g., air) can flow. In particular, in the illustrated configuration, when compressible material 36 is compressed away from wall 20, gap 62 may open between sealing ridge 50 and the top surface of sealing disc 24. When compressible material 36 is compressed away from top wall 20, one or more vent pathways 60 can open that allow gas communication from an interior of reservoir 10 to an exterior environment via the one or more vent openings 26, one or more gaps 62 between the sealing disc 24 and wall 20, and access opening 22. This can allow reservoir 10 to vent while discharging chemical via access opening 28 through ingress of air via the one or more vent pathways 60, increasing the speed and efficiency with which chemistry is dispensed from the reservoir.

[0056] In general, sealing disc 24 can include any desired number of vent holes 26. In some examples, the sealing disc has only a single vent hole 26. In other examples, the sealing disc includes a plurality of vent holes (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, or more). When configured with multiple vent holes 26, the vent holes may be arrayed about the perimeter of sealing disc 24 asymmetrically or symmetrically (e.g., such that a distance separating each vent hole from each adjacent vent hole is substantially the same).

[0057] Independent of the number or configuration of vent holes 26, the vent holes may be positioned on sealing disc 24 at a location that is under wall 20 and offset from access opening 22, e.g., such that the seal formed between wall 20 and sealing disc 24 blocks communication though vent holes 26 when in a closed configuration. In the illustrated configuration of FIG. 4, vent holes 26 are located along a portion of sealing disc 24 extending radially outwardly from where a seal is formed between the sealing disc and top wall 20. In particular, vent holes 26 are location along a region of sealing disc 24 externally offset from where the sealing disc 24 contacts top wall 20 when in the closed configuration (specifically sealing ridge 50 extending from the top wall contacts the top surface of sealing disc 24). By positioning the one or more vent holes 26 under wall 20 and offset from access opening 22, gas communication through the one or more vent holes is blocked by the combination of top wall 20, sidewall 44, and the seal between sealing disc 24 and wall 20 (prior to compressing the compressible material 36).

[0058] As discussed above, closure 12 may be accessed using a discharge device that creates an opening through sealing disc 24 (thereby opening access opening 28) and also applies a force compressing compressible material 36 to open venting pathway 60. A variety of different discharge devices can be used that are insertable through sealing disc 24 to open access opening 28 for withdrawing chemical via the access opening and configured to apply a compression force to compressible material 36 to open a venting pathway through vent opening 26.

[0059] FIGS. 5A and 5B (collectively referred to as FIG. 5) are sectional views of an example configuration of a discharge device 100 that can be used to access closure 12 according to the disclosure. FIG. 5A illustrates discharge device 100 offset from and insertable over closure 12. FIG. 5B illustrates discharge device inserted into closure 12 to withdraw chemical through the closure accessed by the discharge device.

[0060] As shown in the example of FIG. 5, discharge device 100 may define a structure that includes an insertion tube 102, a compression member 104, and a retention mechanism 106. Insertion tube 102 can be configured (e.g., sized and shaped) to be inserted through access opening 22 defined by top wall 20. Insertion tube 102 can penetrate through a material layer (e.g., compressible material 36) covering access opening 28, thereby opening the access opening for withdrawing liquid from the chemical reservoir to which closure 12 is attached via the access opening.

[0061] Insertion tube 102 can have a length extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The length of insertion tube 102 may be sufficiently long such that, when fully inserted into closure 12, the distal end of the insertion tube is positioned below sealing disc 24 (e.g., such that the distal end is within or projecting out beyond insertion tube 30). In some examples, the distal-most end of insertion tube 12 is pointed or tapered to provide a comparatively sharp leading end for piercing through the material closing access opening 28, as the insertion tube is inserted into closure 12.

[0062] Insertion tube 102 may define a lumen through which liquid chemical can be withdrawn, once the insertion tube is inserted into closure 12. Once insertion tube 102 is inserted into closure 12, liquid chemical can be dispensed from the reservoir to which the closure is attached by flowing the chemical out through the insertion tube. In some examples, a proximal end of insertion tube 102 is placed in fluid communication with a pump. The pump can be activated to pump liquid chemical out of the reservoir via dispensing device 100 and insertion tube 102 of the dispensing device. In other examples, liquid chemical in the reservoir may be discharged under the force of gravity without using an external pump. For example, after attaching dispensing device 100 to closure 12 and/or the container to which the closure is attached, the container may be placed on its side or turned upside down. This can allow liquid chemical to be controllably discharged out of the reservoir under the force of gravity via dispensing device 100 and insertion tube 102 of the dispensing device.

[0063] Discharge device 100 may include a surface and/or feature that is configured to apply a force to the surface of compressible material 36 of sealing disc 24, when the discharge device is inserted into closure 12, thereby functioning as a compression member 104. The force provided by discharge device 100 on compressible material 36 of sealing disc 24 may be effective to compress the compressible material a sufficient distance to opening venting pathway 60 (FIG. 4).

[0064] In the illustrated configuration of FIG. 5, discharge device 100 is illustrated as having a downwardly extending ridge adjacent to and spaced from insertion tube 102 that functions as compression member 104. In some examples, compression member 104 is one or more discrete regions of material that are configured to press against compressible material 36. In some examples, such as the example of FIG. 5, compression member 104 is a continuous ring of material configured to press against compressible material 36. For example, discharge device 100 may define a dual annulus: insertion tube 102 can define a first annulus and compression member 104 can define a second annulus surrounding the first annulus.

[0065] Compression member 104 can be sized and positioned to apply a force causing compression of compressible material 36, when discharge device 100 is inserted into closure 12. For example, compression member 104 can be sized and project downwardly a distance effective fit within access opening 22 and bear against the top surface of sealing disc 24 without puncturing through the sealing disc. The outer surface of compression member 104 may be sized to be inset from the inner peripheral surface the wall defining access opening 22. This can provide a gap or space between the wall and compression member through which air can flow through vent pathway 60 to vent the container.

[0066] In some examples, discharge device 100 is configured to releasably attach to closure 12 and/or the container to which closure 12 is attached. In the illustrated configuration, discharge device 100 is illustrated as including a first body portion 108A and a second body portion 108B, one or both of which are hingedly attached to a third body portion 108C. A retention mechanism 106 can be provided to secure discharge device 100 to closure 12 and/or the container to which closure 12 is attached. In the illustrated configuration, retention mechanism is illustrated as ledge positionable under an edge of sidewall 44 of closure 12. Other mechanical fixature features, such as interlocking male and female connectors (e.g., barbs, bayonet connector), fictional interference fits, and the like and be used as a retention mechanism to perform the function of retaining discharge device 100 to closure 12 and/or the container to which closure 12 is attached.

[0067] A closure with sealing disc according to the disclosure can provide an effective seal for a liquid chemical reservoir that can be safely and efficiently accessed for dispensing chemical. The closure can seal the liquid chemical reservoir without utilizing a movable component in the closure assembly, which otherwise adds manufacturing complexity and is a potential failure point in the mechanical system. However, by configuring the closure with a compressible feature that can be compressed without translating or otherwise moving a sealing disc, the closure can facility venting during chemical dispensing. This helps prevent vapor lock, facilitating faster discharge of chemical during a dispense event. In addition, the configuration of the closure allows the closure to be accessed via a discharge device in which the closure is not opened until the discharge device is placed in the closure. This can minimize the likelihood of inadvertent spilling or chemical contact by an operator discharging chemical from the reservoir using the closure and discharge device.

[0068] It should be appreciated that the descriptive terms such as top and bottom or above and below with respect to the configuration and orientation of components described herein are used for purposes of illustration based on the orientation in the figures. The arrangement of components in real world application may vary depending on their orientation with respect to gravity. Accordingly, unless otherwise specified, the general terms first and second may be used interchangeably with the terms top and bottom or similar relative terminology without departing from the scope of disclosure.

[0069] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.