DISPENSING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

Provided is a dispensing assembly for dispensing a material. The dispensing assembly includes a container defining a cavity, a receptacle configured to be disposed in the cavity, and a cap configured to be coupled to the container and the receptacle. The cap includes a dispensing stem configured to dispense the material from the receptacle in the container, a first one-way valve configured to prevent the material from being dispensed though the dispensing stem in the absence of a force being applied to the container, and a second one-way valve configured to prevent air from entering the cavity in the container when the force is applied.

Claims

1. A dispensing assembly for dispensing a material, the dispensing assembly comprising: a container defining a cavity; and a cap configured to be coupled to the container, the cap including a dispensing stem configured to dispense the material from a receptacle disposed in the container, a first one-way valve configured to prevent the material from being dispensed though the dispensing stem in the absence of a force being applied to the container, and a second one-way valve configured to prevent air from entering the cavity in the container when the force is applied.

2. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the dispensing stem includes a dispensing opening, and wherein the first one-way valve includes an elastomeric member surrounding the dispensing stem and covering the opening.

3. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, the cap additionally includes an inlet stem having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and wherein the second one-way valve includes an elastomeric member surrounding the inlet stem and covering the outlet opening.

4. The dispensing assembly according to claim 3, wherein when a force is applied to the container, the force urges the first elastomeric member away from the dispensing stem around the dispensing opening to dispense the material and the second elastomeric member prevents air from entering the cavity in the container.

5. The dispensing assembly according to claim 4, wherein when the force is removed from the container, the first elastomeric member abuts the dispersing opening preventing air from entering the receptacle and air moves the second elastomeric member away from the inlet stem to enter the cavity in the container around the receptacle.

6. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cap includes a base, a wall circumscribing the base, the dispensing stem extending downward from the base, a rim extending upward from the base, a collar radially outward spaced from the rim and extending upward from the base for coupling to the receptacle, and an inlet stem extending upward from the base.

7. The dispensing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the rim is in communication with the dispensing stem and configured to puncture a seal on the receptacle.

8. The dispensing assembly according to claim 6, further including a plurality of legs extending downward form the base for supporting the dispensing assembly on a surface with the dispensing stem facing the surface.

9. The dispensing assembly according to claim 6, wherein the dispensing stem includes a dispensing opening in communication with a cavity of the receptacle, and the inlet stem includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the cavity in the container when the second one-way valve is open.

10. The dispensing assembly according to claim 9, wherein the first one-way valve includes a first elastomeric member surrounding the dispensing stem and covering the dispensing opening, and the second one-way valve includes a second elastomeric member surrounding the inlet stem and covering the outlet opening.

11. The dispensing assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a sleeve coupled to the dispensing stem surrounding the first elastomeric member.

12. The dispensing assembly according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve includes a slot positioned in an area of the dispensing stem around the dispensing opening to direct material exiting the dispensing opening.

13. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, further comprising the receptacle configured to be coupled to the cap and disposed in the cavity in the container.

14. The dispensing assembly according to claim 13, wherein the receptacle includes a pouch for holding material, a neck extending from the pouch and configured to be coupled to the cap, and a seal on the neck configured to be punctured when the neck is coupled to the cap.

15. A dispensing assembly for dispensing a material, the dispensing assembly comprising: a container defining a cavity; a receptacle configured to be disposed in the cavity; and a cap configured to be coupled to the container and the receptacle, the cap including a dispensing stem configured to dispense the material from the receptacle, a first one-way valve configured to prevent the material from being dispensed though the dispensing stem in the absence of a force being applied to the container, and a second one-way valve configured to prevent air from entering the cavity in the container when the force is applied.

16. The dispensing assembly according to claim 15, wherein the cap includes a base, a wall circumscribing the base, the dispensing stem extending downward from the base, a rim extending upward from the base in communication with the dispensing stem, a collar radially outward spaced from the rim and extending upward from the base for coupling to the receptacle, and an inlet stem extending upward from the base.

17. The dispensing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the rim includes an angled surface configured to puncture a seal on the receptacle when the receptacle is coupled to the cap.

18. The dispensing assembly according to claim 16, wherein the dispensing stem includes a dispensing opening in communication with a cavity of the receptacle, and the inlet stem includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the cavity in the container when the second one-way valve is open.

19. The dispensing assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first one-way valve includes a first elastomeric member surrounding the dispensing stem and covering the dispensing opening, and the second one-way valve includes a second elastomeric member surrounding the inlet stem and covering the outlet opening.

20. A dispensing assembly for dispensing a material, the dispensing assembly comprising: a container defining a cavity; and a cap configured to be coupled to the container, the cap including a base, a wall circumscribing the base, a dispensing stem extending downward from the base and having a dispensing opening configured to dispense the material from a receptacle disposed in the container, a rim extending upward from the base in communication with the dispensing stem, a collar radially outward spaced from the rim and extending upward from the base for coupling to the receptacle, an inlet stem extending upward from the base and having an outlet opening, a first elastomeric member surrounding the dispensing stem and covering the dispensing opening, and a second elastomeric member surrounding the inlet stem and covering the outlet opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary dispensing assembly.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispensing assembly.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the dispensing assembly.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a receptacle.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing assembly taken about line 5-5 in FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing assembly taken about line 6-6 in FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the dispensing assembly with a container shown in cross-section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

[0017] Turning initially to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary dispensing assembly for dispensing fluid is illustrated at reference numeral 10. The dispensing assembly 10 includes a container 12, a cap 14 coupled to the container 12, and a receptacle 16 coupled to the cap 14 and disposed in the container 12. The container 12 may be a suitable container, such as a squeezable bottle, and includes a body 20 and a neck 22 extending from the body, the body 20 and neck 22 defining a cavity 24 (FIG. 5) for holding the receptacle 16, and the neck including threads 26 on an outer surface thereof for coupling to the cap 14. It will be appreciated that the container 12 and cap 14 may be coupled in other suitable ways, such as by a snap-fit connection, interference fit, etc. The container 12 may be made of any suitable material having flexibility for a sure to squeeze, such as plastic, and may be made in a suitable manner, such as a suitable molding process.

[0018] The receptacle 16 includes a pouch or bag 30 and a neck 32 extending from the pouch 30. The pouch 30 and neck 32 define a cavity for holding a suitable coating material, which may be a fluid or a powder for example, such as colorants for interior and exterior automobile coatings, or other suitable additives for coating materials, such as thickeners, mildewcides, biocides, floats, etc. The receptacle 16 may also hold suitable mixing toners, paints, stains, varnishes, chemicals, etc. The pouch 30 may have any suitable number of layers, may be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic, and may have a suitable coating. The neck 32 includes threads 36 on an outer surface thereof for coupling to the cap 14, and may be sealed to hold the coating material in the pouch 30 by a suitable seal, such as a foil seal 38 configured to be punctured when coupled to the cap 14. It will be appreciated that the receptacle 16 and cap 14 may be coupled in other suitable ways, such as by a snap-fit connection, interference fit, etc.

[0019] Turning additionally to FIGS. 5-7, the cap 14 will be described in detail. The cap 14 may be made of any suitable material and include a base 50 and a wall 52 circumscribing the base 50 to define therewith a cavity 54. The wall 52 includes threads 56 on an inner circumferential surface for mating with the threads 26 on the neck 22 of the container 12. Extending downward from the base 50 is a dispensing stem 58 and a plurality of legs 60 surrounding the dispensing stem 58 for supporting the dispensing assembly 10 on a surface. Extending upward from the base 50 into the cavity 54 is a rim 62 in communication with the dispensing stem 58 and opening to the cavity 54, a collar 64 radially outwardly spaced from the rim 62 for coupling to the receptacle 16, and an inlet stem 66. The rim 62 may be angled as best shown in FIG. 6 and include a sharp surface for fracturing or cutting the foil seal 38 on the receptacle 16 when the receptacle 16 is coupled to the cap 14. The collar 64 may include threads 68 on an inner circumferential surface for mating with the threads 36 on the neck 32 of the receptacle 16. The base 50, the wall 52, the dispensing stem 58, the legs 60, the rim 62, the collar 64, and the inlet stem 66 may be integrally formed with one another, for example in a suitable molding process.

[0020] The cap 14 also includes a first one-way valve 70 configured to prevent the coating material from being dispensed though the dispensing stem 58 in the absence of a force being applied to the container 12, and a second one-way valve 72 configured to prevent air from entering the cavity 24 in the container 12 when the force is applied. As shown, the dispensing stem 58 and the inlet stem 66 are surrounded by respective valve members 70 and 72, such as elastomeric members fit tightly around the respective stems 58 and 66 and that serve as the one-way valves, although it will be appreciated that other suitable one-way valves may be used such as a ball valve, diaphragm valve, etc. The vale members 70 and 72 may be sized to be smaller than the respective areas to which they are attached to be stretched over the areas to fit tightly against them. Surrounding the dispensing stem 58 and the valve member 70 is a sleeve 74 serving to direct the flow of coating material from the dispensing stem 58.

[0021] Turning now to the dispensing stem 58 in detail, the dispensing stem 58 includes a passage 80 opening to the cavity 54 for receiving coating material from the receptacle 16, and a dispensing opening 82 opening to the passage 80 through which the coating material is dispensed. The dispensing stem 58 also includes an annular groove 84 in its outer surface for receiving a corresponding annular protrusion 86 on an inner surface of the sleeve 74 to couple the sleeve 74 to the dispensing stem 58 around the valve member 70. The dispensing stem 58 may be angled with the dispensing opening 82 in a sidewall of the dispensing stem 58, which is normally closed by the valve member 70, and the sleeve 74 may include a slot 88 positioned in an area around the dispensing opening 82 to provide directional dispensing for controlling dosing rather than coating material exiting the dispensing opening 82 and being distributed to multiple areas around the dispensing stem 58.

[0022] Turning now to the inlet stem 66 in detail, the inlet stem 66 includes a body 90 extending upward from the base 50 having a closed end to define a passage 92, an outlet opening 94 in a sidewall of the body 90 opening to the passage 92, and an inlet opening 96 that extends through the base 50 of the cap 14. The valve member 72 surrounds the body 90 to close the outlet opening 94 when the assembly 10 is not in use.

[0023] To assemble the cap 14, the valve member 72 is attached to the body 90 by advancing the valve member 72 over the body 90 thereby stretching the valve member 72 over the body 90 to fit tightly against it. Similarly, the valve member 70 is attached to the dispensing stem 58 by advancing the valve member 70 over the dispensing stem 58 until the valve member 70 abuts or is in close proximity to the annular groove 84 thereby stretching the valve member 70 over the dispensing stem 58 to fit tightly against it. Given the angled shape of the dispensing stem 58, the valve member 70 can be shaped to correspond to the shape of the dispensing stem 58. After the valve member 70 has been positioned on the dispensing stem 58, the sleeve 74 is advanced over the valve member 70 until the annular protrusion 86 on the inner surface of the sleeve 74 is received in the corresponding annular groove 84 in the dispensing stem 58. Given the angled shape of the dispensing stem 58, the sleeve 74 can be shaped to correspond to the shape of the dispensing stem 58, with the slot 88 being positioned around the dispensing opening 82.

[0024] To assemble the dispensing assembly 10, the neck 32 of the receptacle 16 is positioned within the collar 64 of the cap 14 and rotated to engage the threads 36 on the neck 32 with the threads 68 on the collar 64. As the receptacle 16 is being threaded to the collar 64, the rim 62 fractures the foil seal 38 on the neck 32 placing the cavity in the receptacle 16 in communication with the passage 80 of the dispensing stem 58. The receptacle 16 can then be positioned in the cavity 24 of the container 12 and wall 52 of the cap 14 positioned about the neck 22 of the container 12 and rotated to engage the threads 56 on the wall 52 of the cap 14 with the threads 26 on the neck 22 of the container 12.

[0025] To dispense coating material from the assembly 10, a user squeezes or otherwise applies a force to the body 20 of the container 12 causing the coating material flow towards the dispensing opening 82 and the force moves the valve member 70 away from the dispensing stem 58 around the dispensing opening 82. The shape/size of the slot 88 in the sleeve 74 directs the coating material to exit at the slot 88. While the force is applied, the valve member 72 prevents air from entering the cavity 24. When the force is removed from the container 12, the valve member 70 returns to its original position preventing air from entering the receptacle 16. Also when the force is removed from the container 12, air moves the valve member 72 away from the body 90 to enter the cavity 24 around the receptacle 16. Due to the receptacle 16 being coupled to the collar 64, and the valve member 70, air does not enter the receptacle 16 when entering the cavity 24. When not in use, the dispensing assembly 10 can be stored valve down with the legs 60 abutting a surface to prevent the dispensing stem 58 from making contact with the surface.

[0026] The following are example embodiments of the innovations:

[0027] Embodiment 1, a dispensing assembly for dispensing a material, the dispensing assembly including a container defining a cavity, and a cap configured to be coupled to the container, the cap including a dispensing stem configured to dispense the material from a receptacle disposed in the container, a first one-way valve configured to prevent the material from being dispensed though the dispensing stem in the absence of a force being applied to the container, and a second one-way valve configured to prevent air from entering the cavity in the container when the force is applied.

[0028] Embodiment 2, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 1, wherein the dispensing stem includes a dispensing opening, and wherein the first one-way valve includes an elastomeric member surrounding the dispensing stem and covering the opening.

[0029] Embodiment 3, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 1 or 2, the cap additionally includes an inlet stem having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and wherein the second one-way valve includes an elastomeric member surrounding the inlet stem and covering the outlet opening.

[0030] Embodiment 4, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 3, wherein when a force is applied to the container, the force urges the first elastomeric member away from the dispensing stem around the dispensing opening to dispense the material and the second elastomeric member prevents air from entering the cavity in the container.

[0031] Embodiment 5, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 4, wherein when the force is removed from the container, the first elastomeric member abuts the dispersing opening preventing air from entering the receptacle and air moves the second elastomeric member away from the inlet stem to enter the cavity in the container around the receptacle.

[0032] Embodiment 6, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 1, wherein the cap includes a base, a wall circumscribing the base, the dispensing stem extending downward from the base, a rim extending upward from the base, a collar radially outward spaced from the rim and extending upward from the base for coupling to the receptacle, and an inlet stem extending upward from the base.

[0033] Embodiment 7, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 6, wherein the rim is in communication with the dispensing stem and configured to puncture a seal on the receptacle.

[0034] Embodiment 8, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 6 or 7, further including a plurality of legs extending downward form the base for supporting the dispensing assembly on a surface with the dispensing stem facing the surface.

[0035] Embodiment 9, the dispensing assembly according to any of Embodiments 6-8, wherein the dispensing stem includes a dispensing opening in communication with a cavity of the receptacle, and the inlet stem includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the cavity in the container when the second one-way valve is open.

[0036] Embodiment 10, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 9, wherein the first one-way valve includes a first elastomeric member surrounding the dispensing stem and covering the dispensing opening, and the second one-way valve includes a second elastomeric member surrounding the inlet stem and covering the outlet opening.

[0037] Embodiment 11, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 10, further comprising a sleeve coupled to the dispensing stem surrounding the first elastomeric member.

[0038] Embodiment 12, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 11, wherein the sleeve includes a slot positioned in an area of the dispensing stem around the dispensing opening to direct material exiting the dispensing opening.

[0039] Embodiment 13, the dispensing assembly according to any preceding Embodiment, further comprising the receptacle configured to be coupled to the cap and disposed in the cavity in the container.

[0040] Embodiment 14, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 13, wherein the receptacle includes a pouch for holding material, a neck extending from the pouch and configured to be coupled to the cap, and a seal on the neck configured to be punctured when the neck is coupled to the cap.

[0041] Embodiment 15, a dispensing assembly for dispensing a material, the dispensing assembly including a container defining a cavity, a receptacle configured to be disposed in the cavity, and a cap configured to be coupled to the container and the receptacle, the cap including a dispensing stem configured to dispense the material from the receptacle, a first one-way valve configured to prevent the material from being dispensed though the dispensing stem in the absence of a force being applied to the container, and a second one-way valve configured to prevent air from entering the cavity in the container when the force is applied.

[0042] Embodiment 16, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 15, wherein the cap includes a base, a wall circumscribing the base, the dispensing stem extending downward from the base, a rim extending upward from the base in communication with the dispensing stem, a collar radially outward spaced from the rim and extending upward from the base for coupling to the receptacle, and an inlet stem extending upward from the base.

[0043] Embodiment 17, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 16, wherein the rim includes an angled surface configured to puncture a seal on the receptacle when the receptacle is coupled to the cap.

[0044] Embodiment 18, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the dispensing stem includes a dispensing opening in communication with a cavity of the receptacle, and the inlet stem includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the cavity in the container when the second one-way valve is open.

[0045] Embodiment 19, the dispensing assembly according to Embodiment 18, wherein the first one-way valve includes a first elastomeric member surrounding the dispensing stem and covering the dispensing opening, and the second one-way valve includes a second elastomeric member surrounding the inlet stem and covering the outlet opening.

[0046] Embodiment 20, a dispensing assembly for dispensing a material, the dispensing assembly including a container defining a cavity, and a cap configured to be coupled to the container, the cap including a base, a wall circumscribing the base, a dispensing stem extending downward from the base and having a dispensing opening configured to dispense the material from a receptacle disposed in the container, a rim extending upward from the base in communication with the dispensing stem, a collar radially outward spaced from the rim and extending upward from the base for coupling to the receptacle, an inlet stem extending upward from the base and having an outlet opening, a first elastomeric member surrounding the dispensing stem and covering the dispensing opening, and a second elastomeric member surrounding the inlet stem and covering the outlet opening.

[0047] The aforementioned systems, components, (e.g., containers, caps, among others), and the like have been described with respect to interaction between several components and/or elements. It should be appreciated that such devices and elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and/or additional elements. Further yet, one or more elements and/or sub-elements may be combined into a single component to provide aggregate functionality. The elements may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

[0048] While the embodiments discussed herein have been related to the apparatus, systems and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to only those discussions set forth herein.

[0049] The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, wherein equivalent alterations and/or modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon reading and understanding this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, and the like), the terms (including a reference to a means) used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component, such as hardware, software, or combinations thereof, which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the illustrated implementations of the invention. In addition although a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Also, to the extent that the terms including, includes, having, has, with, or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and/or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising.

[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0051] In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms a, an and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as about is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms first, second, etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0052] As used herein, the terms may and may be indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of may and may be indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occurthis distinction is captured by the terms may and may be.

[0053] The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described for purposes of illustrating the best mode known to the applicant at the time and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using devices or systems and performing incorporated methods. The examples are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and merit of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differentiate from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.